 |
| G-XLEA Airbus A380-841 |
British Airways’ new Airbus A380-841 G-XLEA c/n 095 ex F-WWSK has flown into Shannon Airport ahead of its use on some of the airline’s long-haul network from September, becoming another Irish aviation first for Shannon Airport as the World’s largest passenger aircraft lands in any livery for first time.
BAW9152 G-XLEA arrived at 1017 from London Stansted and departed to London Gatwick as BAW9153 at 1240.
The double-decker aircraft, which can cater for up to 469 passengers, will be used to fly between London Heathrow and Los Angeles from 24th September. The 2013 list price for an Airbus A380-800 is €403.9 million subject to design weights, engines choice and level of selected customization.
British Airways has a further 11 Airbus A380s on order and also has options for a further seven aircraft.
Additional A380s will be used on routes to Hong Kong and Johannesburg, from 22nd October and February 2014 respectively.
 |
| G-XLEA BAW9153 Departs for London Gatwick |
Its visit to Shannon Airport is part of a test by BA to see which airports could cater to the aircraft in the event of a diversion.
It is also an opportunity for pilots to add to their flight training hours ahead of entry to service initially on Heathrow-Frankfurt route from tomorrow.
During its time in Shannon the A380 was photographed alongside BA’s smallest aircraft, the Airbus A318, which operates between London City and New York’s JFK.
British Airways Manager for Ireland Simon Daly said “We are delighted to welcome the new A380 to Shannon Airport today, and are looking forward to customers from Ireland being able to experience what this fantastic aircraft has to offer when flights commence from London Heathrow to Los Angeles in September, to Hong Kong in October and to Johannesburg next year.”
Shannon Airport CEO Neil Pakey said “Shannon has had many proud firsts over the years and being the first Irish airport to handle the world’s largest passenger aircraft is among them. It is further confirmation of Shannon’s place in the aviation industry. Having British Airways’ A380 at the airport parked beside its smallest aircraft, the A318, is a rare moment for any airport and a great opportunity for aviation enthusiasts across the country who are here in big numbers today.”
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 30th July 2013 All Rights Reserved.
