The new A380 received a warm welcome in Zurich
Keystone
The world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, has landed for the first time in Switzerland, with more than 20,000 enthusiastic onlookers there to welcome it.
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The aircraft touched down at 8.21am on Wednesday. It will spend the next two days at the airport to undergo a series of tests needed to ensure that landings and take-offs can be permitted.
The tests include the aircraft’s ability to manoeuvre safely on the ground, its effect on navigation systems and the ability to be made ready, refueled and de-iced.
The tests will be carried out under the supervision of the Federal Civil Aviation Office.
Among the airlines that will fly the new Airbus in and out of Zurich are Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Lufthansa.
The A380 has a wingspan of 80 metres, four engines and can carry up to 853 people on its two passenger decks.
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