Bangkok will have a second look at the A380 megajet and Chiang Mai will get its first glimpse when the European plane maker Airbus brings the world’s largest civil jetliner here in a few weeks. The double-decker jet, capable of carrying 520 passengers, will head to four countries in Asia for demonstration flights in a campaign to prepare for its entry into service in October by Singapore Airlines.

The superjumbo, which Airbus bills ”the flagship plane of the 21st century”, is due to visit Bangkok on Aug 31 and Chiang Mai on Sept 1, according to the company.

The plane, powered by four Rolls Royce Trent 900 engines, will then fly to Hanoi on Sept 2-3, Hong Kong on Sept 3-5 and Seoul on Sept 5-7.

The A380 made its first appearance at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport last December at a time when Thai Airways International was deciding whether to retain its orders for six A380-800 superjumbos due to the 22-month delay in delivery.

THAI has since opted to keep the order for the aircraft, valued at US$300 million apiece, which are due for delivery starting in September 2010, 21 months behind the original schedule.

The national carrier accepted a preferential price for eight A330-300 wide-body jetliners $90 million apiece _ well below the original price of $140 million as compensation for the A380 delay.

Airbus is also taking another A380 flight-test-aircraft, powered by four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines, to the United States as part of the ongoing route-proving process for this aircraft-engine combination.

The double-decker jetliner has already visited more than 45 airports. By 2011, more than 70 airports will be ready for A380 operations.

Fourteen buyers have made 173 orders and commitments for the A380. The first megajet will be delivered to Singapore Airlines (SIA) in October. Subsequent aircraft are on track for delivery to SIA, Emirates Airlines and Qantas.

Compared to an existing jumbo jet, the A380 produces 30% less cabin noise and consumes 20% less fuel.

The A380’s main deck is 20 inches wider than the Boeing 747 jumbo jet’s cabin, while the upper deck is 71% wider. The aircraft is 72.7 metres long, two metres longer than the B747-400. But its wingspan is much wider than the B747-400, at 79.8 metres compared to 64.5 metres.

Source: Bangkok Post