ANA’s first Airbus A380 is oh so close to being complete. The super-jumbo jet took to the skies for the first time yesterday, successfully completing its maiden flight.
The aircraft, registered F-WWSH, flew from Airbus’ Toulouse base to the manufacturer’s facility in Hamburg, Germany, in about 3.5 hours.
Right now, the jet’s exterior is still unpainted, except for its tail and engines. The aircraft’s fuselage will transform from matte green to a turtle-inspired Flying Honu livery and Airbus will install the cabin interiors in Hamburg.
Once complete, you’ll find 520 seats on the double-decker jet. There will be eight first-class suites, 56 business-class seats, 76 in premium economy and 383 in coach.
The aircraft is scheduled to be delivered to the Japanese airline in early 2019 and will be placed on the Tokyo – Honolulu (HNL) route. ANA has ordered a total of three A380s and will be the fifteenth carrier to operate the aircraft.
Charter airline HiFly recently purchased an old Singapore A380 and has been leasing to it Norwegian, who’s been using it between the US and Europe.
Featured image by H. Gousse/Master Films/Airbus.