Airbus superjumbo will prove a boon

Airport operator BAA has welcomed the launch of the Airbus A380 superjumbo, which touched down at Heathrow Airport for the first time yesterday.

The company claims the aircraft, which will carry about 555 passengers and has a maximum capacity of 800, will allow increased air travel without putting too much strain on resources.

The development of the A380 cost almost £6 billion, while some £450 million has been spent on upgrades at Heathrow to prepare for its arrival.

Tony Douglas, managing director of Heathrow's Terminal 5 programme, told the BBC: "We see aircraft like the A380 being a huge success as more demand for passenger travel requires larger aircraft."

This view was reiterated by Chancellor Gordon Brown, who expects the superjumbo to become a familiar sight in the future.

Speaking on the Channel Four Evening News, he said: "This looks to me to be a very efficient aircraft, but it is also going to be very popular."

The A380 was safely guided into Heathrow Airport yesterday by British test pilot Ed Strongman. Singapore Airlines is due to be the first airline to operate the aircraft, when it introduces them on its London – Singapore – Sydney route later this year.

© Adfero Ltd

Comments

[G H Armstrong]

I wish every success to Airbus for the A380. Truly amazing aircraft. Well done to all.

Boeing should salute this great achievement for aviation and be grateful of the long running success they have had with their Jumbo 747s.