Airports prepared for reception of A380s

Mumbai: The world's largest airplane , the A380 is coming to Delhi and Mumbai airports on May 7 and May 9.
The airport staff has started special inspections of the runways on which the A380 will be landing. A 'follow-me' vehicle with support staff from Airbus will escort the aircraft to the parking bay. There will be a full-fledged fire and rescue staff patrolling this 525-seater giant aircraft throughout its stay in India.
An extensive watering programming has been organised by Mumbai airport before landing and departure to ensure that areas along the runway and the parking bay are damp in order to prevent any dust damage to aircraft.
Delhi Airport executives point out that the runway and taxiway have been equipped to handle this big aircraft. Mumbai Airport executives say the A380 will land on the main runway (09/27) and will exit the runway through taxiway B4.
The wingspan of an A320 aircraft is 34.1 metres while A380 is 79.8 metre. The turnaround time of this world's largest plane is 90 minutes (with over 500 passengers).
Liquor baron Vijay Mallya promoted Kingfisher Airlines is the first and the only airline from India to sign up for the Airbus A380, which will ply its international routes.
Kingfisher has ordered 10 aircraft with 5 firm orders and options for 5 more. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2010-11.
04/05/07 P R Sanjai/Business Standard

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Categories: Airports May 2007, Foreign May 2007