Singapore Airlines (SIA) said on June 11 that it will start using the Airbus A380 superjumbo on its Hong Kong route starting July 9.

SIA, which operates five daily non-stop flights between Singapore and Hong Kong, said the A380 will replace an existing Boeing B777-300ER service.

The operation of Airbus A380 to Hong Kong represents an increase of 10 per cent in seat capacity to the city.

Singapore Airlines' executive vice president, Marketing and the Regions, Mr Huang Cheng Eng, said: "The operation of the A380 to Hong Kong shows our confidence in the demand for both business and leisure travel between Singapore and the famed 'Pearl of the Orient'.

"Hong Kong is a vibrant business hub and at the same time it has much to offer leisure travellers looking for great places to shop, eat and play."

SIA, the launch customer for the superjumbo, currently flies the world's biggest passenger plane from Singapore to Sydney, London, Tokyo and Paris.

The giant plane can carry up to 853 passengers, but SIA has chosen a set-up with a maximum of 471 seats.

SIA currently has eight A380s in operation, while it also has a firm order for another 11 and options for six more, the carrier said.