Lufthansa Receives First A380

Lufthansa will this afternoon (Wednesday) welcome the first A380 to enter its fleet - in a handover ceremony taking place at its Frankfurt hub.

Three more A380s will be delivered this year and in total Lufthansa has ordered 15.

The first aircraft will replace its 747-400 next month, when it starts regular services from the German hub to Japan. The carrier will use the plane to fly to Tokyo, Beijing and Johannesburg.

Airbus President and CEO, Tom Enders said that the aircraft will serve the routes well: "It's exceptionally quiet, and that will make the A380 the preferred aircraft at metropolises such as London, New York, Tokyo and Frankfurt airport. While Lufthansa passengers will enjoy more space in all classes and the unique cabin comfort, the airline will profit from the unprecedented efficiency of the A380."

Lufthansa has configured the plane for 526 passengers, with 420 seated in economy, 98 in business and eight in first class.