Double-decker plane A380 makes maiden voyage to India

New Delhi, May 6 (UNI) Airbus A380 that can seat up to 850 passengers in a double-decker format today cruised through Indian skies for the first time as part of its world tour.

The biggest passenger jet ever built landed around 1045 hrs at the IGI Airport here. During its India visit, it would be taking some VIPs on a flight of fancy over the national capital. On Tuesday, it will fly to Mumbai.

The plane costs 300 million dollars (about Rs 1,260 crore). It is expected to enter commercial service with Singapore Airlines (SIA) in October.

Kingfisher Airline is the only Indian carrier that has a firm order for five A380s. Kingfisher, which celebrates its second anniversary this week, is due to take delivery of the aircraft in 2011-12.

The A380 has a wingspan of 261.8 feet (79.8 metres), a length of 239.5 feet (73 metres) and a maximum take-off weight of more than 540,000 kg (1.2 million pounds). It is also the tallest with a height of nearly 80 feet.

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