An Airbus A380 plane is currently in Singapore to allow the Changi Airport to run through various operational procedures such as safety, passenger embarkation and disembarkation, and even catering.

Four such trials have been conducted so far since the jumbo aircraft arrived on August 9, and it will leave on August 14.

It is the fourth time for the plane to stay here for relevant trials.

The A380, which is a double-deck, four-engined airliner, can seat up to 555 passengers and is the largest passenger airliner in the world.

To date, Airbus has received 154 orders and commitments from 15 customers. For Singapore Airlines, which already has an order for 10 A380s and has an option to buy six more of the planes, it will be the first airline in the world to fly the new A380.

The Singapore national carrier is now preparing for the first commercial flight of the new plane, from Singapore to Sydney and return, which will take place in October 2007.

The airline has announced that all proceeds from the sale of tickets on the first flight will be donated to charities.

The actual date of the flight will be announced soon, after final notification from Airbus about the delivery date this coming October.

Photograph: Ground staff prepare for a cater trucks and passenger loading and unloading process trial run for the Airbus A380 plane on August 13 at the Changi International Airport in Singapore. Singapore Airlines, will receive and be the first carrier in the world to fly the new Airbus A380, which seats 555 people, after more than one year delay due to production problems.