T-3 welcomes world's largest aircraft -- Airbus A-380

T3-LD AIRBUS

New Delhi, Jul 15 (PTI) Airbus A-380 of the Emirates
Airlines on Thursday landed at the swanky new Terminal-3 of
the Indira Gandhi International airport here, proving the
capacity of the facility to handle commercial operations of
the world's largest aircraft.
The aircraft with 543 people -- 517 passengers and 26
crew members -- was scheduled to arrive at 2.50 pm but it was
delayed by about half-an-hour after pilot decided to take a go
around as he could not land in the first attempt as the
"visibility was low" because of the rain.
The super-jumbo plane finally landed around 3.30 pm and
was accorded a tradition water salute by jet of water from two
fire tenders.
"There was heavy rain over the airfield and the previous
aircraft had reported that the braking action on the runway
was poor to medium and as we came lower, I saw the situation
developing and made a decision that it is safer to come back
and try again when the rain was a bit less," Captain Samir
Murjani, who flew the A-380 from Dubai to Delhi, told PTI.
As the aircraft was taxiing towards the apron area, a dog
strayed into the apron area of the terminal where the aircraft
was to be docked. The canine was chased away by airport
officials before the aircraft reached the designated
aerobridge.
With the successful landing, Emirates became the first
international carrier to operate a commercial flight of the
A-380 on the Indian soil, even though for a one-time trial
flight.
In 2007, the double-decker aircraft known for its luxury
facilities, had landed at the airport when it was introduced
to the world.
Though one would have hoped that A-380, said to be the
most economical, be part of the regular flights from Delhi,
the airline ruled out any such plans for the near future.
"Today's flight is to celebrate the opening of the
terminal building and would not be part of the regular flights
originating to from India. This is just a stand-alone flight,"
Majid Al Mualla, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations
West Asia and Indian Ocean said onboard the aircraft.
Speaking after landing, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice
President (Commercial) Richard Vaughan said introducing an
Airbus A-380 on Indian route is only expected to fuel the
growth in the Indian economy and strengthen ties between India
and UAE.
Chief Operating Officer of the Delhi International
Airport Limited, Andrew Harrison, said "we are proud of the
fact that Delhi airport played host to the world's largest
airline. It is a momentous occasion for all us. We have proved
that the airport is capable of handling and operating this
flight." PTI SMJ
RBT


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