NEW CHAPTER IN AVIATION HISTORY on 15th October 2007
Airbus has officially handed over the first A380 to Singapore Airlines in a ceremony held at its
Delivery Centre Toulouse, France in the presence of over 500 guests. The aircraft was officially
handed over to Chew Choon Seng, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Singapore Airlines by
Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Enders in presence of Chief Executive
Officer Rolls-Royce Sir John Rose. Singapore Airlines will be the first to fly the A380 on regular
scheduled service.Singapore Airlines also used this opportunity to reveal their new, spacious and luxurious A380-cabin-interior, featuring 471 seats in three classes.
“This delivery really marks the beginning of a new chapter for the aviation industry and we feel
honoured to be the ones opening this new chapter”, said Chew Choon Seng, Chief Executive
Officer of Singapore Airlines. “With the A380, but also with the new cabin we are offering, our
customers will enjoy a completely new way of flying while benefiting from the quietest cabin in
the sky. In every class we’ll provide more comfort and more space for relaxation. Our new
Singapore Airlines Suites - a class beyond First - will redefine luxury air travel,” he added.
“This is a landmark day for all those who worked so hard over the years to make it happen. It is
also a tribute to all the engineers and workers who developed the A380, as well as all our
customers who selected this magnificent and highly efficient jetliner. We appreciate the
confidence they have shown in Airbus and for staying with us through troubled times”, said
Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders. “This is all a testimony to their faith in the product and
in Airbus. We are especially thankful and proud that an airline of the standing and reputation of
Singapore Airlines is the first to operate this all new greener, cleaner, quieter and smarter 21st
Century Flagship.”
Singapore’s A380 is powered by four Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines, which generate 72,000
lbs thrust each. They greatly contribute to the A380’s environmental friendliness. As a result the
A380 is setting new environmental benchmarks in air-transport. The A380 has an unmatched
fuel efficiency of less than three litres per passenger per 100 kilometres.
"We are delighted that Singapore Airlines, our long standing partner, has selected the Trent 900
engine for its A380 long-haul fleet", said Sir John Rose, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce. "It's the
quietest and cleanest engine for the A380, with emissions levels well within the requirements of
all current and future legislation."
The aircraft’s efficiency and advanced technologies results in higher operational flexibility and
outstanding economics - with a range of more than 8,000 nm/ 15,000 km and seat-mile costs 20
percent lower than the former largest aircraft.The A380 will take-off for Singapore on 16th October, arriving at Singapore’s Changi International Airport the following day. The next generation, eco-efficient double-decker will enter service between Singapore and Sydney, with a special charity-flight, between both cities
on 25/26th October. The scheduled services will commence daily from 28th October.
Currently Singapore Airlines has five A340-500 Airbus aircraft in its mainline fleet. In total and to
date, Singapore Airlines has further 19 A380, 20 A350 and 19 A330-300 on order.
To date, total orders and commitments for the A380 are 189 from 16 customers. Subsequent
aircraft for delivery to Singapore Airlines, Emirates Airlines and Qantas are also well on track.
Airbus is an EADS company.
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