Aircraft

Airbus is to showcase its A380 in Tokyo, Sydney and Taipei following its forthcoming visit to the Indian cities of Delhi and Mumbai.

Speaking to Air Transport Intelligence during the manufacturer’s annual technical briefing in Toulouse, Airbus A380 product marketing director Richard Carcaillet outlined the A380’s tour schedule.

Between 7 and 10 May the A380 will make its Indian debut, visiting a string of carriers including current prospects Jet Airways and Air India. Carcaillet indicates that this is more than a tentative visit. Kingfisher Airlines is Airbus’ only Indian A380 customer, with five A380-800s on firm order.

Carcaillet says that the aircraft will return from India and, following a planned appearance in Paris, will fly to Tokyo in June. From Japan it will fly on to Sydney, returning via Taipei to visit China Airlines.

Airbus chief operating officer for customers John Leahy says: “Over the next 9-12 months several trips around the world are planned to showcase [the A380] to difference airlines.”

For more news about Airbus A380 orders and deliveries please visit our A380 page