Post by stu on Mar 3, 2008 10:04:10 GMT 12
www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10495752
World's biggest plane to fly New Zealand routes
10:07AM Monday March 03, 2008
By Grant Bradley
The world's biggest commercial airliner will begin services to Auckland from February next year.
Emirates will use the superjumbo Airbus A380 on its trans-Tasman route to link up with the rest of network from February 1.
The aircraft will have 489 seats; 14 in first class, 76 in business and 399 in economy.
A spokesman said fares had yet to be set.
Auckland International Airport has widened its runway and from later this year will have a new pier with airbridges capable of handling passengers from the plane.
Around $27million is being spent to accommodate the aircraft.
Emirates is the largest customer for the A380s - with 58 on order - and it will take delivery of five of the double-decker aircraft this year.
Other configurations in the A380 fleet will feature a medium-range three-class 517-seater; and a medium-range two-class aircraft with 604 seats.
Emirates is scheduled to operate its A380s non-stop from Dubai to New York on October 1, London Heathrow on December 1.
The airline's president, Tim Clark, said: "Our A380s will take to the skies in late (northern) summer, signalling an end to our long wait and ushering in a new era for Emirates. We have played an integral role during the design and development stage to tow the aircraft from the drawing board to the production line, and we look forward to bringing them into commercial service."
Singapore Airlines became the first airline to operate the aircraft commercially last year.
Clark said the of the first Emirates A380 would prove to be a major milestone for the airline as it takes the first step in the gradual build-up towards becoming the worlds largest operator of the super-jumbo.
The A380 is a fully double-deck aircraft with a wingspan and length greater than that of the largest passenger aircraft currently in service, the Boeing 747-400.
The A380, made by the European consortium Airbus, first flew in 2005 but getting it into commercial production was plagued by wiring problems and other hitches.
Its size has allowed for new luxury in first class, including double beds in Singapore Airlines' aircraft, prompting a "no sex" request.
World's biggest plane to fly New Zealand routes
10:07AM Monday March 03, 2008
By Grant Bradley
The world's biggest commercial airliner will begin services to Auckland from February next year.
Emirates will use the superjumbo Airbus A380 on its trans-Tasman route to link up with the rest of network from February 1.
The aircraft will have 489 seats; 14 in first class, 76 in business and 399 in economy.
A spokesman said fares had yet to be set.
Auckland International Airport has widened its runway and from later this year will have a new pier with airbridges capable of handling passengers from the plane.
Around $27million is being spent to accommodate the aircraft.
Emirates is the largest customer for the A380s - with 58 on order - and it will take delivery of five of the double-decker aircraft this year.
Other configurations in the A380 fleet will feature a medium-range three-class 517-seater; and a medium-range two-class aircraft with 604 seats.
Emirates is scheduled to operate its A380s non-stop from Dubai to New York on October 1, London Heathrow on December 1.
The airline's president, Tim Clark, said: "Our A380s will take to the skies in late (northern) summer, signalling an end to our long wait and ushering in a new era for Emirates. We have played an integral role during the design and development stage to tow the aircraft from the drawing board to the production line, and we look forward to bringing them into commercial service."
Singapore Airlines became the first airline to operate the aircraft commercially last year.
Clark said the of the first Emirates A380 would prove to be a major milestone for the airline as it takes the first step in the gradual build-up towards becoming the worlds largest operator of the super-jumbo.
The A380 is a fully double-deck aircraft with a wingspan and length greater than that of the largest passenger aircraft currently in service, the Boeing 747-400.
The A380, made by the European consortium Airbus, first flew in 2005 but getting it into commercial production was plagued by wiring problems and other hitches.
Its size has allowed for new luxury in first class, including double beds in Singapore Airlines' aircraft, prompting a "no sex" request.
that is always the risk as aircraft increase in capacity.
