MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Singapore's A380 superjumbo starts London route

Amid pomp and ceremony, the world's biggest passenger plane, the Airbus A380 superjumbo, headed 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. Those on board received personalised certificates marking the event. Singapore Airlines and manufacturer Airbus boast that the aircraft is the quietest and greenest big plane. Passengers sat 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 aircraft. 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." Heathrow has spent more than £100 million on new facilities to accommodate the A380 which will be flying in to Terminal 3. The airport's new £4.3 billion Terminal 5, which was officially opened by the Queen last week, can also take the superjumbo. British Airways is due to take the first of its ordered A380s in 2012, with Sir Richard Branson's airline, Virgin Atlantic, receiving its first superjumbo in 2013. Singapore Airlines now has three A380s. Australian carrier Qantas is due to take delivery of the first of its superjumbos this summer, with Dubai-based airline Emirates beginning its A380 services from Dubai to London on December 1.