Qantas has launched its first service using the Airbus A380, flying from Melbourne to Los Angeles.
[Qantas A380 Melbourne Airport]
QF93 left Melbourne just after 11.15am on 20 October 2008. The MEL – LAX route is the longest non-stop flight on the Qantas network. The flight takes around 15 hours, which makes it one of the Longest flights in the world.
The new aircraft has been named Nancy-Bird Walton, after the Australian Pioneer Aviatrix.
[Melbourne Airport Departure Board]
Launch Ceremony
A small ceremony was held in the departure lounge to farewall the inaugural flight. The Hon Martin Ferguson MP and Qantas Chief Executive Officer Geoff Dixon gave speeches before the passengers boarded.
While Melbourne got a politician and a CEO to attend proceedings, at the other end in LA the flight will be greeted by Qantas ambassador John Travolta and Aussie singer Olivia Newton-John.
[The Hon Martin Ferguson MP and Geoff Dixon at A380 Launch]
[Qantas Band sending off passengers]
New Qantas Logo
The famous Flying Kangaroo logo and Qantas font was updated in 2007 in preparation for delivery of the A380. To the non plane spotters eye it might look the same, but the new kangaroo paw is elongated and points forward rather than down, so it can fit on the A380 tail.
[Qantas 747 Tail]
[Qantas A380 Tail]
A380 Onlookers
The A380 had its share of admirers on the day, from flying fans in commemorative T-shirts, passengers on other flights and airport staff were all gathered to have a look.
[Qantas A380 Flying Fans]
[Melbourne Airport Passengers]
[Melbourne Airport Staff Watching A380]
Old and New
The A380 at Gate 9 and a 747 in the background.
[Qantas 747 and A380]
New Airport Terminals
Airports terminals around the world are being modified to fit the A380. In Melbourne Airports case the runway had to be widened and and new air bridges installed. Note the two air bridges here, one for each deck of the A380.
[A380 Double Air Bridge]
Take Off
[Qantas A380 Taking Off at Melbourne Airport]