Superjumbo heads for Heathrow

The world's biggest passenger plane, the Airbus A380 superjumbo, is heading for Heathrow airport on its first commercial flight to Europe.Speeches were made and champagne flowed as more than 470 passengers, including a number of Britons, flew out of Singapore's Changi airport on the 14-hour journey to London.Roger and Sue Simpson from Fowey, Cornwall, had expected to be on a conventional jumbo jet but found to their pleasure that their flight had been earmarked as the inaugural A380 European run.Mr Simpson, 56, a retired environmental manager, said: "This plane is a step in the right direction. It's quiet, less-polluting and roomy."Those on board received personalised certificates marking the event.Singapore Airlines and manufacturer Boeing boast that the aircraft is the quietest and greenest big plane.Passengers are sitting in three classes - first class, which has 12 luxury suites with 23-inch TV and cinema screens and double beds; business class where 60 people can enjoy flat-bed sleeping; and economy where nearly 400 passengers have seat-back screens and more room than rival aircrafts.Singapore Airlines UK and Ireland general manager Marvin Tan said: "The arrival of the first commercial A380 flight to London will be a proud moment not only for Singapore Airlines but also for British aviation, with the magnificent wings of the aircraft made in Broughton, North Wales, and Filton, Bristol, and powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines."© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.

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ITN | March 18, 2008

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