Airbus delivers first A380 to Singapore Airlines: New chapter in aviation history

Airbus has officially handed over the first A380 to Singapore Airlines in a ceremony held at its Delivery Centre Toulouse, France in the presence of over 500 guests. The aircraft was officially handed over to Chew Choon Seng, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Singapore Airlines by Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Enders in presence of Chief Executive Officer Rolls-Royce Sir John Rose. Singapore Airlines will be the first to fly the A380 on regular scheduled service.

Singapore Airlines also used this opportunity to reveal their new, spacious and luxurious A380-cabin-interior, featuring 471 seats in three classes.

“This delivery really marks the beginning of a new chapter for the aviation industry and we feel honoured to be the ones opening this new chapter”, said Chew Choon Seng, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airlines. “With the A380, but also with the new cabin we are offering, our customers will enjoy a completely new way of flying while benefiting from the quietest cabin in the sky. In every class we’ll provide more comfort and more space for relaxation. Our new Singapore Airlines Suites - a class beyond First - will redefine luxury air travel,” he added.

“This is a landmark day for all those who worked so hard over the years to make it happen. It is also a tribute to all the engineers and workers who developed the A380, as well as all our customers who selected this magnificent and highly efficient jetliner. We appreciate the confidence they have shown in Airbus and for staying with us through troubled times”, said Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders. “This is all a testimony to their faith in the product and in Airbus. We are especially thankful and proud that an airline of the standing and reputation of Singapore Airlines is the first to operate this all new greener, cleaner, quieter and smarter 21st Century Flagship.”

Singapore’s A380 is powered by four Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines, which generate 72,000 lbs thrust each. They greatly contribute to the A380’s environmental friendliness. As a result the A380 is setting new environmental benchmarks in air-transport. The A380 has an unmatched fuel efficiency of less than three litres per passenger per 100 kilometres.

“We are delighted that Singapore Airlines, our long standing partner, has selected the Trent 900 engine for its A380 long-haul fleet”, said Sir John Rose, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce. “It’s the quietest and cleanest engine for the A380, with emissions levels well within the requirements of all current and future legislation.”

The aircraft’s efficiency and advanced technologies results in higher operational flexibility and outstanding economics - with a range of more than 8,000 nm/15,000 km and seat-mile costs 20 percent lower than the former largest aircraft.

The A380 will take-off for Singapore on 16th October, arriving at Singapore’s Changi International Airport the following day. The next generation, eco-efficient double-decker will enter service between Singapore and Sydney, with a special charity-flight, between both cities on 25/26th October. The scheduled services will commence daily from 28th October.

Currently Singapore Airlines has five A340-500 Airbus aircraft in its mainline fleet. In total and to date, Singapore Airlines has further 19 A380, 20 A350 and 19 A330-300 on order.

To date, total orders and commitments for the A380 are 189 from 16 customers. Subsequent aircraft for delivery to Singapore Airlines, Emirates Airlines and Qantas are also well on track.

Airbus is an EADS company.