Qantas Gets World's Largest Airliner

Qantas is set to take delivery of a new A380 aircraft, after the jet successfully completed its first test flight over the weekend.

The Airbus jet is the most up-to-date version of the A380, which is the world's largest airliner, and it is Qantas' first super jumbo.

Officials at the airline monitored the aircraft as it flew from Toulouse, France to Hamburg, Germany, reports Adelaide-based newspaper The Advertiser.

John Borghetti, Qantas' executive general manager, was on the ground in Hamburg to see the plane touch down and inspect its newly-fitted interior.

He said that he was pleased with what he saw, noting that "my expectations were pretty high".

The aircraft has 450 seats, entertainment systems and its first-class cabins have been fitted with Edelman leather and "elegant high-quality timbers".

Founded in Australia in 1920, Qantas is the world's second oldest airline.

Employing 36,000 people, the airline flies to 140 destinations in 37 countries in Australia, Asia, the US, Europe and Africa.

Travel Industry News posted on 13/05/2008 13:16:08