Originally Posted by
BlackBerryAddict
I would avoid a proving flight on any aircraft, but once it is in service it is as safe as the older ones.
The twin engine thing is slightly different though. Engines do shutdown in flight occasionally, and while aircraft are perfectly capable to fly with one (or two for the 4 engined aircraft) engines, being in the middle over an ocean does limit your options somewhat if another engine goes down. Hence the ETOPS regime - the more reliable the engines are proven to be, to further away you are allowed to fly from diversion airports.
I think I know what you mean, but just for clarity. ETOPS (or Extended Twin Operations) is only fractionally to do with the engines and the airframe (A318/9LR have the exact same engines as any other A318/9) the rest of it is to do with the company operations. It costs mega bucks to run an ETOPS operation and takes years to get the maximum amount (currently 240mins) which is why a lot of the smaller airlines were buying up the likes of Tristars because they did not require ETOPS, I suppose a similar thing is happening now for A340s. 60mins is the basic for twin engined aircraft, this means you cannot be more than 60mins from a diversion point when flying on one engine.