A380 for BA at Paris

As predicted by Business Travel News Airbus plans to unveil the first British Airways' A380 during the Paris Air Show which begins next Monday (17 June).

BA is due to take delivery of its initial A380, configured with 469 seats, in July.  The aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines.  The airline has 10 on order with a scheduled service date set for Tuesday 15 October.  The airline has chosen the popular ‘Red Carpet Route’ to Los Angeles as the first route for the double-decker superjumbo.  Flight time is 11½ hours, giving plenty of time for passengers to appreciate the quietness of the new aircraft.

Another really long haul destination, Hong Kong, has been selected as the second route for the aircraft, starting 15 November.  Controversially British Airways will be the first carrier to feature Business Class on both decks.

Airbus says that the aircraft "will take centre stage during the first few days of the show", to be followed by one of the flight-test aircraft.

The presence of Airbus at the Paris show will be underpinned by an A320 fitted with sharklet wing-tips, an A330 and a corporate ACJ318.  No news yet on the A350 making an appearance. www.ba.com www.airbus.com

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