The country’s premiere international airport, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and low-cost carrier hub Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Pampanga are both preparing their facilities for the 3-day visit of the Airbus A380 MSN009 test aircraft. The world’s largest passenger aircraft is expected to touchdown on Philippine soil for the first time before 3:00 pm on October 11 at NAIA and will depart the following morning for DMIA.
The aircraft started its 3-week journey across the Americas, the Middle East and Asia Pacific last week. The test aims to demonstrate that it can be used under normal airline operating conditions and accumulate 150 hours of “typical airline” continuous operation using the new engine. The A380 which will land in Manila will be coming from Melbourne, Australia. After its DMIA stop it will proceed to Dubai and eventually to its home in Toulouse, France.
As of the moment no airport in the country is capable to handle the giant aircraft. Nevertheless, the A380 can support the weight and width of the aircraft. Its launch customer is Singapore Airlines which is intended for the “kangaroo” Australia-Singapore-London route. Given the financial condition of Philippine Airlines and market demand for long haul routes in the country, its is still unconceivable for the A380 to make Manila one of its home. But if given a chance in the future, the fuel efficient airliner will be a perfect touch to the Manila-mainland U.S. or Manila-Europe routes.
According to the official Airbus website, the test aircraft is being powered by Engine Alliance GP7000 engines manufactured by General Electric and Pratt and Whitney. The A380 boasts of a greener, cleaner and quieter alternative than its main competitor, the Boeing 747 jumbo jet.
This is a perfect opportunity for aircraft spotters here in the country to take pictures of the most technologically advanced aircraft today. I can’t wait to brush shoulders with all of you this Friday in Clark, Pampanga.
photograph source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8313254@N08/496320750/
The aircraft started its 3-week journey across the Americas, the Middle East and Asia Pacific last week. The test aims to demonstrate that it can be used under normal airline operating conditions and accumulate 150 hours of “typical airline” continuous operation using the new engine. The A380 which will land in Manila will be coming from Melbourne, Australia. After its DMIA stop it will proceed to Dubai and eventually to its home in Toulouse, France.
As of the moment no airport in the country is capable to handle the giant aircraft. Nevertheless, the A380 can support the weight and width of the aircraft. Its launch customer is Singapore Airlines which is intended for the “kangaroo” Australia-Singapore-London route. Given the financial condition of Philippine Airlines and market demand for long haul routes in the country, its is still unconceivable for the A380 to make Manila one of its home. But if given a chance in the future, the fuel efficient airliner will be a perfect touch to the Manila-mainland U.S. or Manila-Europe routes.
According to the official Airbus website, the test aircraft is being powered by Engine Alliance GP7000 engines manufactured by General Electric and Pratt and Whitney. The A380 boasts of a greener, cleaner and quieter alternative than its main competitor, the Boeing 747 jumbo jet.
This is a perfect opportunity for aircraft spotters here in the country to take pictures of the most technologically advanced aircraft today. I can’t wait to brush shoulders with all of you this Friday in Clark, Pampanga.
photograph source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8313254@N08/496320750/
2 comments:
Wow! It's history in the making! Have fun in Clark bro!
wow im going to pampanga on thursday but im not sure if i can stay up to friday... grrrrrrrrrrr.
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