Travolta, Newton-John Join LA Mayor In Greeting First Flight

Qantas became the first airline to operate commercial A380 flights between Australia and the west coast of the United States, when its inaugural A380 service arrived at Los Angeles International Airport Monday morning.

The flight from Melbourne landed in Los Angeles at about 0730 PDT, where it was met by Qantas Ambassador-at-Large John Travolta, and Australian entertainer Olivia Newton-John. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa also greeted the inaugural Qantas A380, which carries the name Nancy-Bird Walton after the 92 year-old Australian aviation pioneer.

Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon said the airline's decision to fly its first A380 commercial service to the United States was a mark of its commitment to growing the trans-Pacific market.

"We have operated air services between the United States and Australia since 1954 and have invested significantly over our 54 years of operation to develop these routes," he said. "Today, we offer 47 services a week to the US, plus daily extensions to New York. In fact, we offer more services to the USA than any other international market with the exception of New Zealand."

Mr. Dixon said Qantas would follow its Melbourne-Los Angeles inaugural A380 service with its first Sydney-Los Angeles service on Friday, 24 October.

"International aviation at LAX generates $82.1 billion a year for the Southern California economy. This economy sustains 363,700 with annual wages of $19.3 billion for our residents. The arrival of this magnificent aircraft couldn't come at a better time," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "The new large aircraft will usher in an era of international transportation, defined not only by the size of the aircraft but their efficiency. The environment is about to experience the greenest, cleanest and quietest transoceanic airplane ever built."

Gina Marie Lindsey, executive director of Los Angeles World Airports, said she is heartened by Qantas' choice of LAX as its first destination for commercial A380 service.

"Qantas has had a strong presence at LAX for nearly 30 years. I am proud to say that we serve as Qantas's North American home base. Today's arrival of its new A380 is a tangible expression of confidence in our work to design and build facilities equal to the standards of the world's most demanding passengers and the airlines that will serve them," Lindsey said. "I cannot overstate our commitment to affirm this confidence in the months and years ahead."

The Qantas A380 is configured with 450 seats in four cabins -- 14 in First Class, 72 in Business Class, 32 in Premium Economy and 332 in Economy Class -- with interiors designed by Australian industrial designer and Qantas Creative Director Marc Newson.

Dixon said Qantas would take delivery of three A380 aircraft by the end of 2008, and have eight in service by the end of 2009. Its 20-strong order would be delivered by the end of 2013. "By the end of 2009, when our eighth aircraft has been delivered, Qantas will offer daily A380 services to Los Angeles from Melbourne," he said.

The airline's first A380 services to London, via Singapore, is scheduled to commence in January 2009.

FMI: www.qantas.com