Another Asian airline joins the growing list of A380 operators
The A380 global operator base expanded once again with Airbus’ handover today of the initial 21st century flagship jetliner for Malaysia Airlines, which is the dynamic Asia-Pacific region’s latest carrier to receive the double-deck aircraft.
30 MAY 2012 HEADLINE NEWS
With this 75th delivery of an A380, Malaysia Airlines becomes the eighth airline worldwide – and fifth in the Asia-Pacific region – to introduce the double-deck aircraft into its fleet.
Other Asian-headquartered A380 carriers are China Southern Airlines and Korean Air (both taking delivery of their initial jetliners in 2011), Qantas (receiving its first in 2008), and Singapore Airlines – which inaugurated the world’s first revenue operations in 2007. Also operating the A380 are Europe’s Lufthansa and Air France – with service introductions in 2010 and 2009, respectively – along with Dubai-based Emirates (utilising the aircraft since 2008).
The international A380 fleet is performing more than 100 flights per day, carrying one million passengers monthly. With a takeoff or landing every eight minutes, the inventory has demonstrated a reliability of 97.6 per cent since the A380’s 2007 service start-up – reaching a 98 per cent reliability level during the past 12 months.
Malaysia Airlines plans to use its initial A380 in three-times-a-week operations from Kuala Lumpur to London beginning 1 July. The aircraft features a new livery, with a modern interpretation of the Malaysian “wau” moon-kite national symbol, as well as an updated logo for the carrier.
The second Malaysia Airlines A380 also will be used on this route at the end of August to offer daily double operations. Its third A380 will be flown on the carrier’s Kuala Lumpur to Sydney segment. In total, Malaysia Airlines has ordered six A380s, all powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines.
- For additional information on the first Malaysia Airlines A380 delivery, read the press release.
