Aircraft manufacturer Airbus expects that British Airways will become a major customer for its A380 superjumbo and has greatly increased its forecast of worldwide aircraft demand.
Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines are two of the major carriers that have so far placed orders for the A380, which has been beset with delivery problems and is currently two years behind schedule.
BA has yet to order any itself but is now looking to replace its ageing aircraft fleet and has invited Boeing and Airbus to bid.
“I’d like to think it is a matter of when, not if, BA will be flying the A380,” said Airbus’ chief commercial officer, John Leahy.
The firm also believes that Heathrow will handle more of the superjumbos than any other airport except Hong Kong. When it opens in 2008, the new Heathrow Terminal Five will be able to handle 14 A380s.
