No Visible Ash Residue Was Observed
Air France conducted a volcanic ash test flight
At the request of and in agreement with the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), this afternoon Air France conducted a test flight intended to improve the models used to predict the density of volcanic ash.
The flight was carried out with an A320 which took off passenger-less from Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 5:10 p.m. and landed back at 8:17 p.m. It flew over the Bay of Biscay and the chain of the Pyrenees in clear sky. Special control service was provided during the southern portion of the flight which enabled it to follow a profile defined in agreement with the specialists at Météo France. It was thus able to confirm that no visible ash residue was observed in the zones indicated by the London VAAC (Volcanic Ash Advisory Center).
The additional inspections organized by aircraft manufacturers to confirm that no trace can be found on the fuselage and the engines are currently being conducted by the Air France Maintenance teams.
At this stage, this flight along with the special engine monitoring mechanism set up by Air France is expected to help maintain most of its flight schedule in full safety and in agreement with air traffic and safety authorities.
To do so, Air France relies on the professionalism of all of its technical teams.
