The second production Airbus A380 (MSN005) was handed over to Singapore Airlines on January 11 in line with the latest delivery schedule. Equipped with four Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines, the second aircraft for the first A380 operator follows the delivery of the first A380 (MSN003) that took place on October 15, 2007.

The second aircraft is fitted with the same spacious and luxurious cabin-interior Singapore Airlines revealed on the occasion of the delivery of their first A380, also featuring 471 seats in three classes.

Singapore Airlines' second A380 will join the first aircraft, which has been operating a reliable daily scheduled service between Singapore and Sydney since October 28, 2007, operating around 15 hours per day with a 100 per cent technical reliability for over two months to the satisfaction of the airline and the passengers alike.

At the end of 2007 the first Singapore Airlines A380 had accumulated over 130 flights and around 950 flight hours. Its operation confirmed the excellent turnaround time and high ground operations efficiency, as anticipated. More generally the A380 has been acknowledged as meeting, and often exceeding, the commitments made to its customers in terms of range, fuel burn, noise, and cabin comfort. The A380 truly delivers on its promises.

Being greener, cleaner, quieter and smarter, the A380 is already setting new standards for air transport and the environment. The A380 has unmatched fuel efficiency, consuming less than three litres per passenger per 100 kilometres. Its new-generation engines and superb aerodynamic performance mean that the A380 not only complies with today's noise limits, it is also significantly quieter than any other large aircraft flying today and produces only half as much noise on take-off and landing than the former largest commercial aircraft.

The A380 has the quietest cabin in the sky, offers more comfort in every class and more space for all. The aircraft's efficiency and advanced technologies result in outstanding economics, superior performance and high operational flexibility. The A380 also provides vital extra passenger capacity without increasing the number of flights. Compared to the former largest commercial aircraft, the A380 seats over 40 percent more passengers in a typical three-class, 525-seat configuration - with seat-mile costs 20 percent lower and range capability over 1,000 nautical miles longer.