Other news from the aviation world

We all know the aviation world doesn't revolve around the 787...yet, so here some other interesting tid bits to tide you over until the next 787 update.
Heathrow is demolishing T2 to make way for a brand spanking new T2 that will replace the old T2 and T1. Looks real nice to me especially since T2 has been around since 1955, it's time for a change.
The first phase of the project should be done by 2013 and the second phase should be completed by 2019.

Introducing Heathrow's New Terminal 2

Moving on to other topics. Looks like the A400M may beat the 787 into the skies. There's word going around that first flight for the European military transport is penciled in for November 30 (2009). The aircraft has already completed one set of low speed taxi tests so the Nov. 30th date is not out of the realm of the possible.

A400M Taxi Trials

Lastly, there was an interesting report out on the heels of EADS admission that the A380 is a matter of concern. With only 202 orders over the past 9 years since the aircraft was launched and a lot of customer deferrals for the aircraft, Airbus is going to have great difficulty getting the production rate up to any meaningful number let alone 40/year that they had hoped they would achieve in 2010. The fact that Lufthansa's first A380 has been delayed from the spring 2010 into the summer doesn't make any one feel more confident about the direction ofthis program. This can effect EADS' other programs especially the A350. Here's a very interesting research piece from Gerson Lehrman Group.

Airbus Battles with Continued A380 Woes