SINGAPORE Airlines' and Emirates are the world's first airlines to sign up for the new A380 Superjumbo
Airbus. SIA's Chief Executive completed a deal for the new Superjumbo at a lavish ceremony in France recently
where the aviation industry's biggest-ever passenger plane was unveiled, while the Chairman of Emirates, HH
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum told the world how proud he was to sign the first order. In fact Emirates
are the largest customer of the new Superjumbo having ordered 45 aircraft.
The Emirates chief said: "This aircraft is a key element in Emirates' future growth. Air travel is
forecast to double in the next 14 years" Emirates' global hub at Dubai International Airport
will be ready to receive the double-decker at its newly opened Terminal 3, which will have a total of 23
departure gates and aerobridges specifically designed for the superjumbo.
Singapore Airlines will use the A380 on its London-Singapore-Sydney route in the second quarter of
2006 which is also great news for London Heathrow where already over £4 million has been spent on
updating everything from its runways to passenger ramps to accommodate the new aircraft.
SIA's UK travellers will be among the first in the world to experience the new travel concept on board
the double decker Superjumbo.
SIA UK General Manager Raja Segran said: "With its very large capacity and long flying range, the A380 is
ideal for high-density long haul routes where airport gate and slot congestion make it difficult for us to
add more services using smaller-capacity aircraft."
The first ever double-decker Superjumbo Airbus A380 was unveiled in Toulouse recently wowing spectators
with its huge size and many possible on-board facility 'firsts' which can include a gym and even a bar.
The plane that could revolutionize long-haul flying was revealed at a prestigious ceremony where European
leaders and potential buyers were present.
Wingspan
The aircraft has a huge 262-foot wingspan, a tail as tall as a seven-story building and a development price
tag of $13 billion.
French President Jacques Chirac, as well as leaders of Britain, Germany and Spain, airline chiefs and freight
transporters attended the grand event in the south of France where Airbus' headquarters are located.
President Chirac described the A380 as "a veritable liner of the skies".
The launch of the A380 seems certain to become a milestone in the history of aviation along with the
introduction of Concorde and the 747, but unlike the Concorde, whose most praised attribute was its speed,
the Airbus will be judged on how fast it makes its money!
Already 149 orders have been placed, and said to be among the first buyers along with Singapore Airlines
and Emirates is Virgin owner Richard Branson.
In a three-class cabin layout, the A380 will carry 555 passengers, 33 per cent more than the Boeing's veteran
747. It has 49 per cent more floor space leaving additional room for features such as on-board shops,
bars, casinos or even nurseries.
Airports worldwide are spending billions of pounds on updating runways and terminals to accommodate the
industry's latest arrival, however concern that completion of these improvements is too far away is
rife in the industry.

BY EMMA DEIGHAN