Desaraju Surya
Hyderabad: The "super jumbo" has arrived, for the second time, in India. Hundreds of onlookers cheered in exaltation as Airbus' A380 entered the skies over the old Begumpet airport at Hyderabad for taking part in the India Aviation-2008 expo. Everyone watched in awe as the massive double-decker aircraft flew past the airport to take a U-turn and land in the right position. Hundreds of eyes stayed glued to the runway at Begumpet airport even an hour before the scheduled arrival of A380 as the visitors took vantage positions for catching a glimpse of the jumbo. At 12.22 pm, the A380 touched down the runway making little noise even as the awestruck visitors to the India Aviation-2008 clapped cheeringly. It was a breathtaking experience for the curious onlookers as it was the first time that they got to witness such a heavy-bodied aircraft in this part of the world. As the aircraft taxied to its designated parking slot – with its pilot John Mitchel waving the Indian tricolour from the cockpit, a water canon salute was offered. The A380 flew in from Toulouse – the Airbus' headquarters in France – carrying its chief executive officer John Leahy and three of his aides. Union civil aviation minister Praful Patel welcomed Leahy to India and particularly the India Aviation expo. The A380 presented a great photo opportunity not only for the media personnel but also each and everyone present at the air show, who captured the mighty aircraft in their mobile phones. The first time the A380 visited India was in May 2007 when Kingfisher brought it for demonstration in Mumbai. Kingfisher has placed orders with Airbus for six A380s, which are expected to be delivered by 2012.
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