The highly-anticipated Airbus A380 superjumbo is set to make its first commercial flight with Singapore Airlines on October 25, from Singapore to Sydney. It will then return to Singapore on October 26.
The first A380 will be delivered to the airline on October 15 at a ceremony in Toulouse, after which it will fly to Singapore Changi Airport.
“Everyone at Singapore Airlines is keenly anticipating the delivery of this new plane, and our people are working hard on final preparation for its entry into service,” said the airline’s chief executive, Chew Choon Seng.
“The first flight promises to be one of the most exciting occasions in aviation history.”
Seats for the inaugural flight are being auctioned on internet auction site eBay.
The A380 has had something of a bumpy ride to market, with maker EADS encountering various problems including technical hitches with the wiring.
However, the impressive double-decker jet promises to revolutionise long-haul travel in the future. Singapore Airlines is set to introduce a new class “beyond First” in its onboard configuration, called Singapore Airlines Suites.
The airline has ordered 19 A380s, with an option for a further six, and could well operate the planes on flights to London.
Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic is to buy six (with an option for a further six), and many other airlines have orders.
Emirates has ordered 55 of the huge aircraft.
