First A380 flight to be sold for charity

New Delhi, July 26: Singapore Airlines (SIA), the first airline in the world to fly Airbus A380, is preparing for first commercial flight of the new double-decker jumbo jet from Singapore to Sydney and return.

It will take place in October and all proceeds from sale of tickets on the first flight will be donated to charities. In response to requests from people all over the world to be passengers on the first flight, SIA will auction the seats on global online marketplace eBay.

Bids will be invited for seats and winning bidders will know that every dollar they pay will go to worthwhile charities. All customers will receive a personalised ceremonial certificate confirming they were part of the first-ever commercial A380 flight.

SIA's Chief Executive Officer Chew Choon Seng said the airline wants to use the opportunity to benefit worthwhile charities.

''The first commercial A380 flight will be a moment in aviation history. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, on an aircraft that will mark a new chapter in air travel. And while we will celebrate the event, we also wish to remember the people who are less fortunate and can be assisted by the charities to which all the proceeds will go.'' SIA has secured support from three important partners for this charity event: ExxonMobil Aviation, eBay and PayPal, a global leader in online payment solutions.

UNI