A new double-decker supersized Airbus A380 belonging to the British Airways made a landing at London's Heathrow Airport yesterday.

British Airways took the delivery of the first of the 12 ordered by the company for £5billion. The world's largest aircraft landed at the airport amid much cheer and flag-waving staff. The aircraft was earlier handed over to the British aviation giant at Airbus's HQ in Toulouse, France. The aircraft will make its first long range flight to Los Angeles on September 24 and its first flight to Hong Kong on October 22.

BA chief executive Keith Williams said, "It is a fantastic aircraft and our customers are going to love it. This exciting delivery opens a new chapter in BA's history."

The A380 has a 231ft wingspan and has 50 per cent more floor space than its rival Boing 747 and can hold 840 passengers. British Airways has said that it will use the aircraft to carry 469 passengers allowing them extra space while on board. The aircraft will offer just 14 seats in first class. The engines of the aircraft, which are made by Rolls-Royce, are expected to be 50 per cent quieter on take-off and more fuel-efficient.