A380 makes Heathrow debut
The world’s largest commercial aircraft landed safely at Heathrow for the first time today on a test flight.
Singapore Airlines, launch customer of the massive new twin-deck Airbus, will be the first carrier to fly the A380 from Heathrow.
SIA takes delivery of the A380 in November and will put the first into commercial service in December, flying between London, Singapore and Sydney. It will operate from a new £105 million Pier 6 at Terminal 3.
While the A380 can accommodate 555 seats in a standard, three-class configuration, the SIA’s aircraft will carry less than 480 passengers.
The airline will unveil new cabins later this year, including a first class and business class claimed to be “very different” from the SkySuites and SpaceBeds currently in service.
UK general manager Marvin Tan said: “We congratulate Airbus and BAA on the arrival of the A380 and opening of Pier 6 and look forward to our first commercial flight from London Heathrow. It will mark another milestone for Singapore Airlines as we celebrate 35 years at Heathrow Airport from which we were the first airline to fly non-stop to Singapore in 1989.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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