Singapore Airlines Receives First Airbus A-380
A ceremony was today held in which Singapore Airlines formally received its first example of the Airbus A-380. With the first scheduled commercial flight expected to take place on the 28th October, the world's largest airliner is finally set to start its service career.
The A-380 programme has suffered some significant delays. However, the Singapore handover comes just days after Boeing announced that its cutting-edge 787 Dreamliner will now not make its first flight until 2008.
Singapore Airlines is the launch customer for the Airbus A-380. At today's ceremony, the chief executive of the airline, Chew Choon Seng, described the the moment as "a dream come true." He added: "This delivery really marks the beginning of a new chapter for the aviation industry and we feel honoured to be the ones opening this new chapter."
"With the A-380, but also with the new cabin we are offering, our customers will enjoy a completely new way of flying while benefiting from the quietest cabin in the sky. In every class we'll provide more comfort and more space for relaxation. Our new Singapore Airlines Suites - a class beyond First - will redefine luxury air travel."
While the Airbus A-380 is capable of accommodating up to either 823 passengers (single class economy) or 555 (mixed class), those serving with Singapore Airlines will be internally modified, offering a more spacious experience for the 471 travellers each aircraft will be able to carry. The interior layout features 12 suites in its First Class section - all of which include a mattress. Within Business Class, each seat reclines to the extent that it becomes horizontal. In Economy, more legroom, enlarged video screens and a power source for PCs are all present. In the words of Mr Chew, the A-380 lays down a "new standard for luxury and comfort."
Tom Enders, Airbus' Chief Executive Officer and President, described today as "...a landmark day for all those who worked so hard over the years to make it happen."
He continued: "It is also a tribute to all the engineers and workers who developed the A380, as well as all our customers who selected this magnificent and highly efficient jetliner. We appreciate the confidence they have shown in Airbus and for staying with us through troubled times. This is all a testimony to their faith in the product and in Airbus. We are especially thankful and proud that an airline of the standing and reputation of Singapore Airlines is the first to operate this all new greener, cleaner, quieter and smarter 21st Century Flagship."
The aircraft at the centre of today's ceremony is now bound for Singapore, with its flight scheduled for the 16th October.
Source - Airport International's Aviation Expert
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