Free Republic

As my taxi pulled up at Changi airport, I knew this was going to be a special day - the day of the first A380 commercial flight was finally here. The airport had long been adorned with banners and posters declaring Singapore "A380 ready" and anticipating the flight.

Israel based carrier Israir Airlines signed a firm order for three Airbus A320 aircraft on 17th April, 2007, making the airline the first Airbus customer in the country. The deal marks Airbus' breakthrough in the Israeli market. The aircraft will be configured in all economy class with 174 seats. Israir Airlines will place the aircraft on routes from Israel to all its European destinations. The engines have yet to be chosen. "We pride ourselves in offering our passengers a personal and more enjoyable flying experience. Israir Airlines is doing its best to offer the highest possible level of quality and...

The A380 receives joint certification from EASA and FAA The signing of the A380 type certificate was a very formal occasion, yet the mood in the large hall was festive. Against the backdrop of a floodlit A380, a succession of speakers highlighted this was a major milestone not only for the A380 and for Airbus, but also for the history of aviation. Louis Gallois, Airbus President and CEO, stated: "The A380 is the largest civil airliner and the first full passenger double-decker ever developed and certified. It will make history in this century. From a technical point of view, we...