Industry First ANA A380 completes maiden flight

MSN 262, the first Airbus A380-841 for Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways, took to the skies for the first time. The aircraft departed the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse at 13:37LT. After several tests during the flight, the aircraft performed a mandatory go-around at Toulouse, before heading to Airbus´ site at Hamburg-Finkenwerder, where the aircraft landed at 16:58LT.

In Finkenwerder, the aircraft will receive its entire cabin. This process is expected to last until early 2019. In addition, currently registered F-WWSH will receive its coat of paint. The Japanese carrier announced in March, that all of its three A380 aircraft will receive different special liveries. The final registration will be JA381A.

The first aircraft is named “Lani” and its blue colours and the turtle represent Hawaii´s blue skies. Hawaii will be the first route served by ANA´s A380 superjumbo. The other two aircraft will be in the colours of green and orange, representing clear waters and orange sunsets.

ANA will configurate its A380s in a four-class option. First Class offers space for eight passengers, the Business Class has 56 seats and Premium Economy 73 seats. In Economy Class, 383 passengers can be accommodated.

With the expected delivery in early 2019, ANA is set to become Japan´s first A380 operator. With the opportunity to transport 520 passengers at once, ANA is seeking to discover new markets and to satisfy current under-operated routes. The carrier ordered three A380s in 2016.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) is the largest airline in Japan. The carrier operates domestic and international flights to 102 destinations in 26 countries. ANA flies with a fleet of 228 aircraft, including 11 Airbus A320s, 11 A321s, 45 Boeing 737s, 46 767s, 50 777s and 65 787s. The airline was founded in December 1952 and is member of the Star Alliance.