Rugby giants Chris Robshaw, Bryan Habana and Jean De Villiers have undertaken one of the biggest challenges of their careers – taking on the might of British Airways’ 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, are pictured attempting to pull the airline’s newest fleet member (topping the scales at 366,000kgs) down the runway at Manston Airport in Kent.
Model, Georgia May Jagger, was also on hand to oversee proceedings.
The players’ feat was in celebration of British Airways’ latest announcement that customers can now book onto the A380 to fly to Johannesburg from February 12, 2014. Prices start from £872 return in World Traveller (economy), £1,382 return in World Traveller Plus (premium economy), £3,274 return in Club World (business class) and £6,179 in First.
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 airline’s A380, which begins flying five times a week to Los Angeles from September 24, 2013 will also increase to start double daily flights to Hollywood from April 10, 2014.
The aircraft is due to begin flying daily to Hong Kong from October 22, 2013.
Customers can book online at ba.com or by calling 0844 493 0787.
British Airways’ A380s will accommodate 469 customers across four cabins. Customers in First will be seated at the front of the main deck. The cabin will offer 14 seats and is evolved from the current First class with 30 per cent more personal space and 60 per cent more personal stowage.
Club World (business class) customers can choose from 44 seats on the main deck, or 53 seats on the upper deck. These upper deck seats will feature a new 2:3:2 configuration across the cabin.
The 55 World Traveller Plus (premium economy) seats will be located on the upper deck while World Traveller (economy) customers can choose seats on both the main and upper deck. Customers travelling in both World Traveller and World Traveller Plus will be able to enjoy the new cabins and seats that have proved so popular on our 777-300ER fleet.
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. British Airways has ordered 12 A380s for delivery by 2016. Three will arrive this year followed by a further five in 2014.
The airline’s website features information on the new aircraft, including computer generated imagery (CGI).
