Airbus A380s galore

Bearing the airline’s distinctive livery the first A380 for Thai Airways International has rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Hamburg.  Assembled in Toulouse all A380s are flown to Hamburg for painting and cabin installation.

When the aircraft is delivered during the third quarter Thai will become the ninth operator of the A380.  The airline has firm orders for six aircraft to be used on premier routes from Bangkok to Europe.

Today (Monday 2 July) sees the introduction of the giant Airbus on the Kuala Lumpur – Heathrow route by Malaysia Airlines.  With the arrival of a second aircraft due in August the airline will go daily with the service.

At Farnborough, Airbus is expected to show a Korean Air A380.  The innovative carrier offers in-flight duty free, as with most others, but also has a flying retail area at the rear of the main cabin.

To date Airbus has taken firm orders for 257 A380s and delivered 77.  Hong Kong Airlines (10) and Transaero (4) were the latest carriers to commit to the A380, with more announcements due at Farnborough. www.airbus.com

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