Airbus's superjumbo makes UK debut at Heathrow
Tuesday, 18 Mar 2008 15:03
Airbus A380, which has landed at Heathrow on first European flight
Airbus's superjumbo A380 arrived at Heathrow this afternoon on its first European commercial flight.
The Singapore Airlines flight left Changi Airport at 9:20 local time (1:20 GMT) and landed in London at 14:50 GMT today. The return flight will leave later in the day, at 18:55.
Passengers paid between S$2,000 (£724) and S$20,000 to be the first on the service to the UK, and will receive a certificate for flying.
Singapore Airlines is the first carrier to use the jets, which are the largest passenger planes in the world.
The Singapore Airlines A380 has 12 first class suites with 23-inch television screens, double beds and a sliding door to the compartment for privacy.
Business Class has 60 lie-flat beds and in economy there are 399 seats with seat-back screens and above-average legroom.
British Airways will be the first UK airline to operate the double-decker aircraft and expects to have 200 A380 pilots in service by 2014.