On 11JAN2008, Singapore Airlines took delivery of its second Airbus A380 super-jumbo. The first one was delivered in front of the press, as it was the first ever A380 to be handed over for regular operations. The second one didn’t get as much attention and such a big ceremony, either, it was delivered and entered service relatively “quiet”, which marks the real entrance into everyday operations of the A380 in my opinion. From now on it is not “the A380”, but it’s one of the airplane types being operated around the world, and most probably – unless there is a problem while engine testing (which we hope will never happen again) – we will start not hearing about A380 deliveries, except for the firsts at each new airline that puts the model into service.
The first aircraft still flies daily between Singapore Changi airport and Sydney. The delivery of the second will allow Singapore Airlines to complement the first aircraft, allowing some rotation of aircraft on the existing Sydney route, and providing opportunities for crew training. The onboard set-up is exactly the same as on the first one (registration number: 9V-SKA) with 471 seats in three classes.
Then, on delivery of the third aircraft in late February, Singapore Airlines will start a daily service between Singapore and London Heathrow.
Singapore Airlines is the first to fly the A380, and is currently still the only airline in the world operating the aircraft. They have firm orders for a further 17 A380s.
by balint01
Airline world 