Superjumbo takes off from Dubai

Emirates' new superjumbo took to the skies today, becoming the second airline to fly the world's biggest plane.

Emirates' cabin crew indicate the size of the airline's A380 order as they pose outside the first aircraft delivered to Emirates in Hamburg earlier this week.

Emirates became the second airline to fly the world's biggest plane when its new superjumbo, which boasts showers and luxury suites, took to the skies today. The A380, which can seat 853 passengers, took off for its inaugural flight bound for New York, the first of 58 ordered in an US$18.8 billion (Dh6bn) deal with the European plane manufacturer. The government-owned airline, the fastest growing in the Middle East, is already the largest single client of the A380, which has been beset by delays.

The first plane had been scheduled for delivery in October 2007. The plane arrived at Dubai International Airport, on July 29, 2008. Singapore Airlines last year became the first carrier in the world to fly the superjumbo. * AFP