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Singapore Airlines has set yet another milestone in the world of civil aviation, as the Airline flew the world’s first commercial A380 flight to Europe. The inaugural Singapore Airlines A380 flight to London, SQ308, took off from Singapore’s Changi Airport at 0900 hours yesterday (18 March 2008). The flight landed in London’s Heathrow Airport at 1505 hours yesterday (all times local).
The world’s largest passenger aircraft then set off for the return flight from London – SQ319 – at 1855 hours and arrive in Singapore at 1535 hours on 19 March.
17 customers from 9 different countries, who flew on the world’s first A380 commercial flight to Sydney in October 2007, joined Singapore Airlines in setting this milestone.
Singapore Airlines General Manager UK and Ireland, Marvin Tan said: “The arrival of the first commercial A380 flight to London is a proud moment for Singapore Airlines but also for British aviation. The Singapore Airlines A380 has wings made in Britain, it is powered by Britain and its interiors are designed in Britain. The new aircraft also represents a significant step towards greener flying. It is 20% more fuel-efficient and has a noise footprint half that of the B747-400 it is designed to replace. Our aircraft will also carry a third more passengers than the B747-400, thus enabling us to satisfy demand without having to increase the number of flights.”
Among the distinguished guests welcoming the A380’s historic arrival at London Heathrow Airport was Minister of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, Pat McFadden MP and Aviation Minister Jim Fitzpatrick MP.
Mr McFadden commented: “This flight represents a significant milestone. The Airbus A380 is a remarkable aircraft – quieter, cleaner, smarter and greener than existing commercial planes. It is a privilege to be here to witness its first ever commercial flight to not just the UK, but to Europe. The aerospace sector is very important part of UK manufacturing and this journey is a chance to celebrate the contribution of more than 400 British companies to the A380 programme. I wish the aircraft, the airport and the airline a long and successful future working together.”
Singapore Airlines is the first to fly the A380, and is currently the only airline to operate the superjumbo. Since the launch of A380 operations to Sydney in October last year, Singapore Airlines has seen a very high level of interest and demand from customers, keen to experience the Airline’s A380 cabin products, and a level of inflight service even other airlines talk about.
“Seats on both legs of the inaugural flight to London were snapped up soon after flight details were announced in late January this year, and forward bookings for A380 scheduled services there are strong,” said Mr Huang Cheng Eng, Singapore Airlines Executive Vice President Marketing and Regions.
“The strong demand we are witnessing highlights the superiority of the Singapore Airlines A380 product, and we are extremely heartened that customers all over the world are relishing the opportunity to experience comfort and luxury when they fly with us,” Mr Huang said.
The Singapore Airlines A380 features the new Singapore Airlines Suites, where each Suite is the customer’s very own private cabin in the sky.
It is also configured with the new award-winning Business Class, which boasts the widest seat in its class in a spacious 1-2-1 configuration on the upper deck, as well as the New Economy Class, which delivers more comfort and legroom thanks to the use of innovative design.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
