As the next-generation A400M continues its certification evaluations, all five of the programme’s flight test aircraft took to the sky this week for a unique formation flight performed by the Airbus Flight Test teams. The exercise originated from Toulouse, France. Once completed, each aircraft returned to its individual testing activities – which include evaluations for handling quality (performed by A400M test aircraft MSN1), wing pod hose stability (MSN2), engine performance (MSN3), pressurisation and oxygen (MSN4), and function and reliability (MSN6).