Qantas prepares for visit of Airbus A380

As the mammoth Airbus A380 lands in Singapore today, Australia is preparing for the visit of the eagerly anticipated Super Jumbo. The schedule for the visit to Australia of the Airbus A380 between 12 and 16 November will also coincide with Qantas' 85th anniversary celebrations.

The aircraft is expected to arrive in Brisbane on the morning of Saturday 12 November.

The Executive General Manager of Qantas, Mr John Borghetti, said "We are continuing to work closely with Airbus on making this historic event a reality."

While times are subject to change, the current schedule (local times) for the A380's Australian visit is:

Saturday 12 November - 8:00am Arrive Brisbane 

Sunday 13 November
6:00am Depart Brisbane 
8:30am Flyover Sydney Harbour for Qantas aerial photography (weather permitting)
9:10am (approx) Arrive Sydney

Monday 14 November
11:15am Depart Sydney 
12:30pm (approx) Arrive Melbourne

Tuesday 15 November
9:00am Depart Melbourne
10:00am (approx) Arrive Brisbane

Wednesday 16 November
2:00pm Depart Brisbane

"While both Qantas and Airbus are pleased that there is so much interest in the A380, opportunities for members of the public to view the aircraft will unfortunately be limited to arrival and departure times.

"We are asking Qantas, Australian Airlines, QantasLink and Jetstar customers to allow extra time for travel to their departure airport, in case of congestion," Mr Borghetti said.

People who were not travelling are being advised to avoid the airport vicinity to minimise congestion during the A380's visit to each port.

In Sydney, the aircraft will fly over the harbour on Sunday 15 November, with local vantage points providing excellent opportunities to view the aircraft inflight. The aircraft will pass over Sydney Harbour from north to south and east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge at 2100 feet and be accompanied by a small jet that will be undertaking aerial filming. This will take place as many as three times.

Qantas will take delivery of the first of its 12 A380 aircraft in April 2007.

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