Emirates superjumbo takes to the skies

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

DUBAI (AFP) — Dubai carrier Emirates said its new superjumbo, which boasts features such as showers and luxury suites, took to the skies on Friday, becoming only the second airline to fly the world's biggest plane.

The A380, which can seat 853 passengers, took off for its inaugural flight bound for New York, the first of 58 ordered in a 18.8-billion-dollar (12-billion-euro) deal with the European plane manufacturer.

The government-owned airline, the fastest growing in the Middle East, is already the largest single client of the A380, which has been beset by delays. The first plane had been scheduled for delivery in October 2007.

Singapore Airlines last year became the first carrier in the world to fly the superjumbo.

© 2008 AFP