New superjumbo daily flight lands in Melbourne
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30 September 2009
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The largest passenger aircraft in the world, the Airbus A380, touched down in Melbourne in the early hours of 30 September 2009, bringing 453 customers on board the 471-seat double-decker aircraft.
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Singapore Airlines has increased its daily passenger capacity into Melbourne by 10 per cent with its new superjumbo flights.
Singapore Airlines currently has ten A380 aircraft that fly from Singapore into London, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney and now, Melbourne.
“Singapore Airlines’ extensive network, which spans 38 countries and 93 ports across five continents, means that Victoria’s links with destinations beyond Singapore will also be enhanced”, said Industry and Trade Minister Martin Pakula.
“This is especially significant in relation to the UK and European market, which is strongly served by Singapore Airlines," he said.
“On routes with multiple daily frequencies operated with different aircraft, many of our customers will specifically choose the service that is operated by this clean and green superjumbo,” said Mr. Huang Cheng Eng, Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice President, Marketing and the Regions.
Mr Pakula said a run of recent international aviation wins had helped Melbourne Airport to grow international passenger numbers by 3.2 per cent last financial year and achieve a 7.4 per cent year-on-year increase in August 2009.
“Victoria’s aviation wins reflect our strong economy, outstanding program of major events and world class attractions, coupled with a proactive approach to developing aviation and tourism,” he said.
For the year ending December 2008, Singapore Airlines flew 14 per cent of all international visitors into Melbourne, second only to Qantas with 25 per cent market share.
“Crucially, they will provide our State with a lasting economic boost, growing jobs in tourism and hospitality, helping to attract more inbound investment and supporting our export effort by expanding air freight capacity”, Mr Pakula said.
“The new A380 service will add further to the airline’s appeal and I look forward to seeing the mutually beneficial relationship between Victoria and Singapore Airlines continuing to grow and develop over the future,” Mr Pakula said.
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