The world’s largest passenger aircraft on Monday flew non-stop on the world’s longest route with Qantas, the Australian airlines, launching the A380 between Sydney and Dallas.
The plane will fly for almost 16 hours, said Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce via e mail.
Qantas has found the A380 better suited for this long-haul route, previously flown by the B747. With the change in aircraft, the Qantas flight offers more seats and greater options for customers.
``Not only will the A380 increase seats on the route by more than 10 per cent each week, it will also provide us with greater fuel efficiency and the range to operate the return service direct back to Sydney,” said Mr. Joyce.
Of the increased services to the US planned by Qantas, about half are operated by the A380 and the other half by B747s with A380-style interiors.