AIRBUS | AIRLINE NEWS

Emirates Airlines invites guests aboard giant Airbus A380 at LAX

With 489 seats, the Airbus A380 is among the world's largest planes. Emirates plans to add nonstop daily service between Los Angeles and Dubai in October on a smaller plane.

By Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
10:13 AM PDT, August 05, 2008

Guests were invited this morning to tour one of the world's largest planes at Los Angeles International Airport.

The $327-million double-decker Airbus A380 operated by Emirates Airlines is about 240 feet long and 80 feet high, with 489 seats, company officials said.

The plane was on display this morning at the Flight Path Museum at LAX's Imperial Terminal. About 250 guests were to board the plane after its arrival from New York this morning for a two-hour "familiarization" flight.

"It's got shower spas and these elaborate first-class suites. It's really an over-the-top plane," said Carrie Whitt, a spokeswoman for Emirates Airlines. "Economy is very nice as well. They offer the most foot room."


FOR THE RECORD:

An earlier version of this article said the Airbus A380 cost $18.8 billion. That is the cost for Emirates Airlines' entire order of 58 planes from Airbus. An individual Airbus A380 costs $327 million.



On Monday, Emirates held a similar tour flight of the Airbus A380 in San Francisco.

The carrier is scheduled to add nonstop daily service between Los Angeles and Dubai on Oct. 26, and between San Francisco and Dubai on Dec. 15, although passengers will fly aboard the smaller Boeing 777-200LR.

Emirates debuted the A380 in New York last Friday and plans to use the planes for three weekly flights between New York's JFK Airport and Dubai starting today. The carrier has ordered 58 of the planes, Whitt said.

Airbus A380s came to LAX twice last year, and the Australian airline Qantas is scheduled to begin flying the plane out of LAX in the fall.

molly.hennessy-fiske@latimes.com

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