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A380 completes first trans-pacific flight |
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Thursday, 23 October 2008 |
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The A380 has flown from Australia to the US for the first time.
Airline Qantas has become the first airline to operate a commercial flight between the US and Australia using an Airbus A380.
On October 20th, a 525-seat Airbus A380 flew from Melbourne to Los Angeles where it was met by a welcoming committee including Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and celebrity Olivia Newton-John.
The A380's inaugural service is scheduled to be followed by a first flight between Sydney and Los Angeles on October 24th.
Geoff Dixon, chief executive of Qantas, said that the decision by the airline to fly its first commercial service to the US was a clear indication of its commitment to growing the trans-pacific market.
He explained that the airline is scheduled to take delivery of three more A380 aircraft by the end of 2008, with its 20-strong order expected to be filled by 2013.
"By the end of 2009, when our eighth aircraft has been delivered, Qantas will offer daily A380 services to Los Angeles from Melbourne," Mr Dixon added.
According to Airbus the A380 has 50 per cent more floor space than any other high-capacity aircraft and onboard noise levels lower than on any other commercial aeroplane.  |
