The world’s largest airplane takes to the sky

The Airbus A-380, the largest aircraft in the world, took to the skies for the first time earlier today, thanks to Singapore Airlines, which carried out the plane’s maiden flight. The so-called “superjumbo” jet can carry up to 471 passengers and the plane’s first commercial flight departed from Singapore’s

Changi Airport, destined the Sydney,

Australia, where it arrived after just over seven hours. As a special treat, passengers aboard this maiden flight were provided with champagne immediately following take-off. Lunch consisted of marinated lobster and chicken soup. Yet the thrill of being among the first to try out the world’s largest jumbo jet did not come cheap. Since the vast majority of tickets were auctioned online, some of these cost as much as $50,000. Prices, however, will drop to normal levels now that the maiden flight has occurred and Singapore Airlines is accepting reservations for later dates through its website’s booking system.

Now that the Airbus A-380 has taken wings, the Boeing 747 is no longer the world’s largest airline. The latter generally carries up to a maximum of 400 passengers. If any airline chooses to have a single, economy-class cabin and forgoes first and business class, the A-380 will be able to transport up to 853 passengers. It is unlikely, however, that most carriers would go this route, as first and business class cabins can be very lucrative ventures on long-haul routes. Singapore Airlines is also trying to appeal to high-end travelers by offering private suites, equipped with sliding doors, a couch, a flat-screen television, as well as a table.

www.singaporeair.com

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