20 January 2009

Qantas A380 completes hat-trick at Heathrow

LONDON - Three Airbus A380 super jumbos touched down at Heathrow for the first time on the same day over the weekend.

Qantas joined Singapore Airlines and Emirates in making itsÃ¢â¬â¢ maiden A380 flight to the UK.

The Australian carrier expects to take delivery of a further four A380s this year, with the next aircraft due in May

Colin Matthews, chief executive of Heathrow owner BAA, said, Ã¢â¬ÅâœQantasÃ¢â¬â¢ A380 arrival is a momentous occasion for Heathrow Airport. It is a highly visible indication that airlines are committed to introducing cleaner, quieter aircraft to their fleets.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœHeathrow Airport has a challenging set of environmental targets to meet in order for the third runway to go ahead.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœTechnological advancements in engine design are central in enabling us to ensure that air quality and noise will meet the limits set by the government.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœIn the short term, aircraft such as the A380 provide some capacity relief as more passengers will be able to use the airport without increasing aircraft numbers.Ã¢â¬~

SIA became the first airline to use the double-decker aircraft from the London airport last March.

by Phil Davies