A380 plans to visit SIN/SYD/BNE in November
From today's Australian....
A380 plans quick visit in November
Steve Creedy, Aviation writer
September 16, 2005
QANTAS and Airbus are optimistic one of the new A380 superjumbos will visit Australia in November.
An Airbus source confirmed yesterday planning had begun for the double-decker aircraft to visit Singapore, Sydney and Brisbane. While the trip was still subject to final approval, the source said the French manufacturer was keen to show off its new plane.
Qantas has ordered 12 of the aircraft, which can carry up to 555 people in three classes and more than 800 in an all-economy configuration, and wants one to visit Brisbane as part of its 85th birthday celebrations on November 16.
The flying kangaroo's request gained significant leverage after manufacturing problems that delayed deliveries of its first planes by six months.
Sydney and Singapore are among the cities destined to see the first commercial A380 services. Singapore Airlines will start using the A380 on the kangaroo route to London at the end of next year. The plane visiting Australia would be a test aircraft, the source said, without the luxurious fit-outs airlines are promising in the commercial versions.
However, it would give Australians their first look at the giant plane and a still rare opportunity to see it in flight.
Brisbane Airport's Jim Carden said the airport's runway could handle the plane, but it would have to get dispensation from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority because the A380's 80m wingspan was wider than its taxiways.
Mr Carden said the airport expected interest in the A380 to be high enough to warrant building grandstands.
Sydney Airport also confirmed yesterday that it would be ready to handle the giant plane by November.
Airlines flying the A380 are promising a new era in comfort and facilities.
Qantas will fly the A380 with about 500 passengers in three classes, Emirates with 489 and Singapore Airlines with fewer than 480.
Qantas passengers in all classes will get special lounge areas as well as more personal space, video on demand, internet access and bigger screens.