China Southern has become the latest airline to take delivery of the Airbus A380, with its first of five handed over at the manufacturer’s Toulouse Delivery Centre on October 13.
“We are proud to become the first A380 operator in China,” said Si Xianmin, chairman of China Southern. “The introduction of the A380 in our fleet is a very important step for the development of China Southern. This most spacious and modern aircraft enables us to offer our passengers world standard comfort on our flights. The economics offered by the A380 will undoubtedly improve our competitiveness on international routes and is the perfect asset to make China Southern Airlines achieve its goal of becoming a leading global carrier.”
The aircraft is fitted to seat 506 passengers, with eight first class suites, 70 lie-flat business class seats and 428 economy class seats. It will initially be used on domestic flights between Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, before being deployed on international routes.
With its first delivery China Southern becomes the seventh A380 operator.
