When is the 380 visiting Heathrow?

Now the gates are ready ... it's been to lots of other places ... have I missed it in Virgin colours like they did for SIA and Qantas?

Last time it was asked the answer was Feb/Mar??? Anyone know for sure ... I am tempted to don my anorak and camera in hand cruise the perimeter fence [:p]

The staff at the Heathrow Visitor centre have said that on the 29/30th April A380 will be flying in for its first visit.

But i guess that could change.

Phil

[HighFlyer]

The staff at the Heathrow Visitor centre have said that on the 29/30th April A380 will be flying in for its first visit.

But i guess that could change.

Keep us updated Phil. Im only up the road from LHR so its a diversion i'll likely be making to actually see her arrive at LHR

Originally posted by pegitt
The staff at the Heathrow Visitor centre have said that on the 29/30th April A380 will be flying in for its first visit.

But i guess that could change.

Hope it does change for purely selfish reasons - I am away till 4th May.

Phil

Don't know about it's first trial. I think there might be some construction work to complete yet. They've closed off some stands in Terminal 3 but that section of the old pier still has to be demolished to provide enough clearance for the taxiway.

There is quite a bit of politics at the moment between BAA and SIA as Singapore are now talking about the A380's first commercial flight being to Oz instead of LHR. Something the senior bods at BAA are a bit upset about considering the large amount of work and spending that has gone in to preparing for it.

SIA are thinking of taking it to SYD first because they are trying to get the Australian government to give them rights to fly on the SYD-LAX route.

Which is, ironically, something which Virgin Blue is opposed too.

If SIA do not get these SYD rights my bet would be that LHR will see the first service.

Originally posted by Richard28
SIA are thinking of taking it to SYD first because they are trying to get the Australian government to give them rights to fly on the SYD-LAX route.

Which is, ironically, something which Virgin Blue is opposed too.

If SIA do not get these SYD rights my bet would be that LHR will see the first service.

I thought the main reason that SQ will fly the first 380 to SYD is because its closer to SIN in case so teething problems occur and replacement aircraft or mechanics have to go to solve the problem. Another place mentioned is HGK

Looks like the parents will be able to see her as they are off to MIA on the 29th- jealous or what! May have to drop them off at LHR!!!

I hope SQ do fly it into LHR first rather than SYD. Interesting to see DJ opposing the SQ SYD-LAX run--of course SQ have had a large amount of influence on DJ's international expansion....seems that SQ firmley wears the trousers in the SQ/Virgin relationship.

As SQ have already had the 380 signed up with their colours - Does anybody know what livery the 380 will be bearing on the 29th...???

Hope the VS marketing/customers relations gang are on the case.....[y]

Originally posted by tallprawn
As SQ have already had the 380 signed up with their colours - Does anybody know what livery the 380 will be bearing on the 29th...???

Hope the VS marketing/customers relations gang are on the case.....[y]

SO far its flown in partial Qantas and Malaysian Colours when visiting KUL, SYD and BNE, been in full Emirates colours for the DXB air show and is now in full Singapore Colours for the Asean Aerospace show in SIN, wonder though if it has to do with spend by the host carrier to pay for the temporary paint job/stickers?

I think that SQ/QF and MH only had partial branding due to the lack of time available on last years Asia/Pacific tour. The 380 was barely on the ground for anytime at any of the stops.... EK had the jet for a few days for the DXB air show, hence full livery....

If VS were to brand the 380 for the 29th, I'm sure that it would only have stickers, cannot believe they would consider painting it silver, as surely Airbus would want it returned back to it's white colour scheme afterwards.

Would be great in full colours though

Cool, will have to remember closer to the time that it's due in. Since I live in Isleworth (it's under the approach path to LHR) I'll try and remember to look up at the appropriate time!

Darryl

To be quite honest, when the A380 comes to LHR (whenever that is) I suspect that it will be the plain white A380 (F-WWDD). I think the main reason that EK, SQ, QF etc got titles on the plane was because it was the first time the plane had left France.

When the A380 went to FRA, which is LH's base and an A380 customer, no tiltes were applied. Also i'd say another thing that Airbus will try to do when the 380 is in LHR is to try and convince BA to buy it. Even though i dont think that BA will buy it, it still would not be a good idea on Airbuses part to try and sell the plane to them with VS titles on the plane