News: Superjumbo set to make European debut at Heathrow
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Flights > News > # 1726 (18/03/2008)
The Airbus A380 "superjumbo" is due to make its European commercial debut when a flight from Singapore lands at London's Heathrow airport this afternoon (March 18).
Singapore Airlines is the first carrier to operate the new double-decker aircraft on scheduled flights. The Singapore Airlines flight is expected to have up to 470 passengers on board, each of whom will receive a personalised certificate to commemorate the historic first flight to the UK.
The carrier has three A380s in service, with 16 more on order, and has been using them on flights between Singapore and Sydney, Australia, since October 2007.
British Airways has ordered 12 of the giant airliners, due to be delivered from 2012, while Virgin Atlantic has ordered six, to arrive from 2013.
Heathrow's owner BAA has constructed a special pier at terminal 3 to accommodate A380s, which will also be flown to the airport by Dubai-based Emirates.
Pier 6, as it is known, was completed in 2006 at a cost of £105m and provides space for four of the double-deck airliners.
Terminal 5, which was opened by the Queen last Friday, will also be able to handle the airliner when it enters service with British Airways.
Singapore Airlines say the start of commercial A380 services to London will be a "proud moment" for the UK aviation sector.
The airliner's wings are made at Broughton in north Wales and at Filton in Bristol. The Rolls-Royce engines that power carrier’s fleet are built at Derby.
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