MSN1 prototype is at Keflavik airport in Iceland for some days doing crosswind test within the Type Certification campaign. This kind of test were also done in Clemont-Ferrand/Auvergne airport in France 2 months ago.
Based on https://www.flickr.com/photos/35133216@N05/14382832589/in/photostream/
The A350 team has flown to Keflavik airport after weather forecasts indicated conditions most pilots try to avoid — wind across the runway.
Why Iceland?
Because of the airports notoriously high winds and long perpendicular runways, the Icelandic airport is ideal for testing the crosswind handling capabilities of commercial aircraft.
Airbus pilots will make several takeoffs and landings on Runway 02 with winds of 30 knots, gusting to 39 from a heading of 120 degrees. The target is testing nearly perpendicular winds at or exceeding speeds most airlines consider the limit for landing.
Updated with pictures
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