On 8 August 1998, the Zeppelin NT 07 prototype performed a cross-country flight via Altenrhein, Switzerland to Echterdingen near Stuttgart, Germany; at the end of this journey, the prototype also accomplished its first masting away from Friedrichshafen upon landing at Stuttgart Airport. The test program included noise level measurements, avionics tests, and take-offs and landings. In October 1999, the prototype completed a 680 km (423miles) journey, its longest distance flight at that point. According to the manufacturer, the Zeppelin NT 07 prototype had proven the technical design by mid 1998, and thus could be applied to production models without major modifications.