Proving runs - when an operator brings on a new aircraft type. I read somewhere they must fly 100 hours of 121 scheduled line operations empty and deal with maintenance issues, weather, etc.

I was just curious if anyone has ever been part of this process. What it entails? Typically how many birds are used? Do they use a single aircraft or a few?

What about the initial cadre of pilots? How do they train them without having any check-airman / instructors in the new type. Do they send off a few to Flight Safety or something?

Latest info I have is proving runs to begin March 29, in service sometime in June. But the fact that I'm the only one reporting this makes me worry my sources are compromised LOL!