The Airbus A380 arrived at Hong Kong International Airport on Saturday, touching down at 12:25 p.m. as part of a global technical tour aimed at securing the aircraft's airworthiness certification, expected by mid-December. Airport officials greeted the double-decker superjumbo upon arrival.
During its Hong Kong stopover, the aircraft underwent facility trials covering parking at air-bridges, ground power connections, catering, line maintenance, and refueling. The tour began in Singapore on Tuesday, continued to Seoul on Friday, and will next take the plane to Japan before stops in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.
The 555-seat A380 offers 49 percent more floor space than a 747 and could accommodate amenities such as shops, bars, casinos, and gyms. Airbus has logged 166 orders for the jet, though wiring and software troubles have delayed deliveries. Launch customer Singapore Airlines, originally scheduled to receive its first A380 in March, will now take delivery in October 2007. No Hong Kong carrier has placed an order.
Hong Kong Airport spent $12 million on infrastructure upgrades, including wider taxiways and improved parking stands, earning an aerodrome license for A380 operations in July.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in November 2006, in its own words.