“I had been told that the plane was quiet but I was shocked at just how quiet it was. Conversations several rows away could be clearly heard, so if you’re planning your next surprise takeover make sure you whisper or you could find it’s no longer a surprise.”
On March 18, 2008, Singapore Airlines operated the first service into London Heathrow using the Airbus A380 – Business Traveller reviewed the inaugural flight, with Julian Gregory being particularly impressed at the low levels of ambient noise inflight.
Today Heathrow is served by around 50 A380 flights per day, operated by nine carriers to 15 destinations, and accounting for 10 per cent of the airport’s daily passenger traffic.
Heathrow is celebrating the anniversary by “surprising” ten passengers landing into the airport on A380 flights until March 28, with A380 goodies and VIP London packs including Heathrow Express Business First tickets and a £250 WeKnowLondon voucher.
Airbus has struggled to secure new orders for the superjumbo in recent years, but recently confirmed an order for an additional 36 A380s from Emirates, which the manufacturer said “underscores Airbus’ commitment to produce the A380 at least for another ten years”.
Japanese carrier ANA will also take delivery of the first of three superjumbos next year, which will feature a special “sea turtle livery”.
Singapore Airlines recently debuted its new A380 aircraft on the London route, featuring all-new economy, premium economy, business class and first class suites.
The aircraft is initially operating flight SQ322 between Singapore and London on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
On the return leg it will operate flight SQ305 from London until April 5, when it will switch to flight SQ317 on April 7 (operating on Mondays, Thursday and Saturdays).
Business Traveller has reviewed all four classes on the new aircraft – to read these see: