Airbus A380 jumbo jet returns to LAX
The world’s largest passenger plane touched down this morning on the southernmost runway at LAX on its second visit to Los Angeles this year.
Aviation aficionados crowded streets near the airport to get a look at the eight-story high Airbus A380, which will remain based at Los Angeles International Airport until Friday morning. The jet, which arrived around 11:50 a.m., taxied to the Imperial Terminal, where it will remain this afternoon for private tours.
The massive plane is not yet available for commercial service in the United States. Airbus, which manufactured the behemoth, and Qantas Airlines, which plans to bring the first commercial A380 flight to LAX next year, will offer an invitation-only demonstration flight on the aircraft Thursday morning.
Airbus and Qantas also plan to work with Los Angeles World Airports, the city agency that operates LAX, to test a double-deck gate built specifically for the giant, as well as how to best fuel and service the craft when it’s on the ground. The aircraft, with room for more than 500 passengers, is scheduled to depart the airport at 8 a.m. on Friday on its way to Sydney, Australia. The best place to watch the departing aircraft is from Dockweiler Beach, officials said.
Sign up for The Wild
We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
