Singapore Airlines finally took delivery today (15 October) of its much-vaunted A380 aircraft in a glittering ceremony in Toulouse.
In front of hundreds of the world”s media broadcasting live around the world, curtains drew back to reveal a slowly-advancing A380 inching towards the delivery centre, with a cockpit camera relying live pictures to the audience.
Despite the project coming in 18 months late, Airbus CEO Tom Enders painted an upbeat picture for the flagship aircraft, but acknowledged the uncertainty for customers and his workforce of the A380 production slippage.
”I realise how unsettling recent times, particularly the last 18 months, have been,” he said, ”but that only serves to make this delivery even more impressive. Thank you [Airbus employees] for everything you will do to get Airbus back on its feet ” we will succeed.”
Describing the ultra-large aircraft that Singapore Airlines has decided to configure with 471 seats in three classes ” details to follow later ” as ”not a luxury but a necessity,” Enders conceded that production to meet demand for the A380 ”remains our greatest challenge.”
And the Airbus boss hailed the tough negotiation stance from Singapore Airlines that had led to a dramatic improvement in aircraft performance, as well as revolutionising cabin innovation.
”Singapore Airlines was instrumental in securing improved noise and with determined pressure they have fuel consumption of less than 3L per passenger per 100km (60mi).
Rolls-Royce CEO, Sir John Rose, was also at the delivery ceremony and with the spotlight firmly on aviation”s environmental credentials, he was keen to play up why Singapore Airlines chose the Trent 900 to power its ”eventual - 19-strong fleet.
”The A380 is a hugely significant project and is one of the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world,” he said.
”The Trent 900 engines set new standards of efficiency and environmental performance and we look forward to building our Singapore Airlines partnership. Singapore Airlines has led its company though some of the toughest times in the industry.”
Singapore Airlines has orders for 19 A380s in a deal worth $5.7bn, including engines and spare parts. The airline will start revenue service between Singapore and Sydney on 28 October, to be followed by flights to London from the first quarter of next year as more A380 aircraft are delivered.
Changi Airport in Singapore will have 19 gates capable of accommodating the A380 when its Terminal 3 opens early in 2008.