SIA to start flying A380 super jumbo

SIA to start flying A380 super jumbo

SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) will start flying the new Airbus A380 in April 2006, becoming the first carrier to use what is billed as the world's biggest commercial aircraft, chief executive Chew Choon Seng said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a business seminar here, Chew said the move demonstrates SIA's determination to maintain its reputation as one of the world's top airlines and Singapore's best-known icon overseas.

"SIA will be the first airline in the world to fly this aircraft in early 2006, April 2006 to be precise. This is arguably going to be the most exciting development in aviation since the inception of the Boeing 747," he said.

SIA has ordered 10 A380 aircraft, with an option to buy an additional 15. The aircraft have a price tag of about US$275 million each. -- AFP