AIRBUS A380 LANDS IN THE CITY OF ANGELS; WORLD'S LARGEST COMMERCIAL AIRLINER TOUCHES DOWN AT LAX DURING FIRST U.S. VISIT
(Los Angeles, California -- March 19, 2007) The world's largest commercial airliner, the 555-seat Airbus A380, landed today in Los Angeles and received a welcome worthy of the movie stars the region is most known for.
A380 MSN001, powered by four Rolls Royce Trent 900 engines, is at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to carry out airport function and compatibility checks in conjunction with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and Qantas Airways. While at LAX, the crews will test airfield maneuvering, docking at a terminal gate, ground-handling services and equipment (including fueling).
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa greeted the arriving plane and its crew upon landing, and toured the world's newest passenger aircraft with the Airbus flight crew, Airbus North America Chairman Allan McArtor, and Wally R. Mariani, senior executive vice president, Qantas Airways, The Americas and Pacific.
"Los Angeles has always played a leading role in the advancement of aviation, so it is fitting that Los Angeles International Airport hosts the first U.S. visit of the next generation of aircraft," said Mayor Villaraigosa. "Ours is a world class city and this historic occasion signifies our standing as a leading international gateway."
McArtor added, "LAX is a preferred international gateway to the U.S. West Coast for the world's airlines. We are extremely impressed by the mayor's determination to ensure that his great city and this great airport is ready for the A380."
Seven Airbus customers plan to operate the A380 at LAX, and the airport has been working to prepare the airport for the arrival of new large aircraft like the A380. The tests this week will help ensure that everything is ready.
"We welcome our friends at Airbus, who have brought this remarkable aircraft to Los Angeles today, and our friends at Qantas, who will fly the first scheduled commercial flight of the A380 to LAX next year," said Alan Rothenberg, president of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. "We are grateful to them for recognizing the importance of LAX to commercial aviation and providing us an awe-inspiring view at the future of air travel."
"We are intensely proud of the improvements made at LAX in anticipation of this momentous occasion and we look forward to welcoming more aircraft like the A380 than any other airport in North America in the coming years," said Samson Mengistu, acting executive director of Los Angeles World Airports.
"Qantas is pleased to continue its long tradition of industry leadership and aviation innovation by being the first airline to bring the A380 aircraft to LAX, an important gateway for our operations in North America," said Qantas executive vice president Mariani. "As a global carrier, Qantas is committed to providing our customers with the most up-to-date and technologically advanced fleet possible, and this multi-billion dollar investment in the A380 further demonstrates this," he added.
The A380 will be the biggest passenger plane in the skies, accommodating more than 500 passengers. New-generation engines, combined with an advanced wing and landing gear design, make the A380 significantly quieter than today's largest airliner. The Airbus A380 will have better fuel efficiency and emit less air pollutants than the current large aircraft.
Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive aircraft product line on the market. Each new Airbus order means new business for American companies. In 2006 alone, Airbus spent $10.2 billion with suppliers in more than 40 U.S. states supporting more than 190,000 American jobs. Airbus is an EADS company.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the #1 international gateway to Asia/Pacific. LAX is served by nearly 90 passenger and cargo airlines, and contributes more than $60 billion annually to the Southern California economy.
Qantas Airways is a global air carrier with more than 200 aircraft offering service to 142 destinations in 40 countries. Long recognized for its continued service excellence and focus on innovation, Qantas will be the first airline to operate the A380 between LAX and Australia.
