Posted on 10/24/2007 8:39:55 PM PDT by trumandogz
After long delays and billions of dollars in cost overruns, the Airbus superjumbo -- the biggest airliner ever built -- took off on Thursday for its first commercial flight. The Airbus A380 left Singapore bound for Sydney, carrying a special group of passengers who bought their seats in an online charity auction, hoping to experience a bit of aviation history.
"We are indeed honoured to have you grace the first commercial flight today. Sit back, relax and enjoy the flight," Captain Robert Ting told passengers as flight attendants handed out hot towels and cameras clicked.
Flight SQ380 operated by Singapore Airlines (SIA), the first airline carrier to fly the double-decker behemoth, was to land in Sydney almost 7.5 hours later.
Top bidder Julian Hayward, 38, a Briton who lives in Sydney, paid more than 100,000 US dollars "to be a part of history", he said before boarding. He was flying in seat 1A.
For others, history came cheaper.
Austrian Georg Burdicek paid just 560 dollars for his economy seat, the cheapest one sold during the auction.
The plane also carried two top chefs, one from Singapore and another from Sydney, who were in charge of a champagne brunch for all the passengers, SIA said.
Even the top ticket price is a pittance compared to the estimated six billion dollars in overruns that the European manufacturer endured to get its plane off the ground. It was delivered to Singapore Airlines 18 months late.
The production problems and subsequent delay embarrassed Airbus, a bitter rival of US firm Boeing, and some analysts have warned that the gigantic aircraft -- which can fit 72 cars on each wing -- is a "white elephant".
But others say the giant plane, which can haul 853 passengers in all-economy mode, is about to revolutionise the aviation industry.
"The October 25, 2007 entry into service of the A380 truly represents the beginning of a new era," the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), a consultancy, said in a report.
Instead of a budget set-up, Singapore Airlines has installed just 471 seats to offer more space, particularly in business and first class.
SIA's version has 399 economy seats, 60 business seats, and a "suites" class of 12 compartments with flat-screen televisions about the size of a briefcase, sheets by French designer Givenchy and a full-length bed behind sliding doors.
On the first flight, the suites passengers were able to quaff Dom Perignon Rose 1996 and other fine wines, along with caviar. They had a choice of dishes such as pan-roasted muscovy duck breast with black cherry jus, or wok-fried beef in garlic and black Java pepper sauce with fish noodles.
After Thursday's inaugural flight, regular service to Sydney is to begin on Sunday.
Superjumbo service on the Singapore-London route will start in February, and Japan could come later, according to SIA executives.
Rival Boeing has put its energies into developing a midsized airplane, the 787 Dreamliner, which has secured at least 710 orders.
In contrast, Airbus has 180 firm orders and commitments to buy the superjumbo.
Dubai-based Emirates has ordered 55 A380s, making it the leading client on a list of predominantly Asian, European and Gulf-based customers. Qantas will get the A380 next year.
Tom Ballantyne, chief correspondent for industry publication Orient Aviation, said SIA will have "a huge marketing edge" for almost the next year until other carriers start flying the A380.
How long do yall think it will be before they put the 400 seats back in and serve peanuts?
I wonder what it costs to carry one passenger one mile on that aircraft at different configurations.With the price of jet fuel I wonder if they have to put in 800 coach seats to break even on a flight.
I am guessing that we will only see the 800+ seat configuration on flights within Asia and Japan. For the ultra long-haul non-stop flights they will have the multi-class configuration with lounge, bedrooms and showers so you can clean up after a long flight in bed.
AvPing
Just imagine the magnitude of the disaster when the first 380 crashes and one will crash, probably within 5 years. Accidents are how the A/L industry learns what the safety profile of an airframe actually is.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
That is a picture the KLM and Pan Am Boeing 747 crash in the Canary Islands.
Pilot Error.
I am sure that would not be a problem in the A-380. I can't wait to get on one.
7.5 hour flight to Sydney plus 2 hours to board, 1.5 hours to deplane, 2.5 hours waiting to take off, and another hour waiting for a gate to open in Sydney. Add in 3 more hours getting through customs and immigration. Makes for a long day.
Three hours to board for a one hour flight.
I don’t see A380’s on any route under 4 - 5 hours and with less than 70% routine booking.
I would hate to be at the back of the line when all of those people try to pass through customs and immigration.
Bad timing. The cheap US Dollar right now compared to the Euro makes Boeing aircraft dirt cheap. Aircraft sales contracts are usually written in dollars so Airbus is going to go broke selling each airplane at a loss. If their sales volume picks up Airbus will just die faster and more tired.
Second flight?
BUMP!
Nothing like any flight to Melbourne from the U.S. I leave mid afternoon from ORD to LAX, depart 10 p.m. PST for the 14 hour flight to Sydney. 2 hour layover, then on to Melbourne. Arrive about 24 hours after takeoff from Chicago. Add in at least a couple of hours for transportation to/from airport.
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