As cutthroat competition coupled with high aviation fuel prices continue to stifle the aviation industry, British Airways has launched an A380 Jumbo jet to ply the South African route. In an amazing launch, the Airways found it innovative to use Rugby giants Chris Robshaw, Bryan Habana and Jean De Villiers by having them undertake one of the biggest challenges of their careers, taking on the might of the largest aircraft, the Airbus A380.
Weighing in at 110kg, 95kg and 101kg respectively, Robshaw, the England rugby captain and Habana and De Villiers, the South African Springboks, attempted to pull the airline’s newest fleet member (topping the scales at 366,000kgs) down the runway at Manston Airport in Kent.
International Model, Georgia May Jagger (Center) leads rugby international stars at the launch event.
The players’ feat was in celebration of British Airways’ latest announcement that customers can now book onto the A380 to fly to Johannesburg effective February 12, 2014. International Model, Georgia May Jagger, was also on hand to oversee proceedings of the rugby champions feat.
According to a statement from BA, the A380 enthusiasts eager to be on the very first A380 flight to Johannesburg should note that the date for the inaugural flight is likely to be earlier and will be announced in due course.
The airline will initially operate three A380 services a week to South Africa’s financial capital. This will increase from March 10, 2014 to six flights per week. These flights will be part of the airline’s normal Schedule to Johannesburg.
The aircraft’s innovative design makes it much quieter during take-off and landing and 16 per cent more fuel efficient than a Boeing 747. The airline’s website features information on the new aircraft, including computer generated imagery (CGI).
Customers travelling in both World Travellerand World Traveller Plus will be able to enjoy the new cabins and seatsthat have proved so popular on our 777-300ER fleet.