The giant jet is the latest addition to the Air France fleet. 

 

A total of twenty A380s are now in service in Singapore Airlines, Emirates Airlines and Qantas fleets as well.

 

[Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, Air France KLM CEO]: 

“…this long term project which of course was a bit delayed for various technical reasons on the side of the manufacturer, has finally become a reality, and we are proud to be the first European airline to operate this aircraft. And the first one, of course, to operate it on [sic] New York."

 

The Paris to New York route is the only regular route between Europe and North America serviced by the A380.

 

Passengers were favorably impressed for the most part.

 

[Bernard, A380 Passenger]: 

"The flight was excellent. Its a plane that is very quiet, and -- no turbulence -- but we didn't move either. We had the impression of being on a mattress.”

 

[Laurance Camus, A380 Passenger]: 

“The plane was wonderful, great. Inside was very comfortable…no noise. The time went quickly. They took good care of us. It's a wonderful plane. There it is. Everyone should take it. Very good."

 

[Jouanie, Aeronautics Reporter]:

"It is my fifth flight on an A380. This one is good, but I prefer Emirates or Singapore Airlines, you know, because business class is better, larger."

 

Danyelle Decuri, was one of Air France's first female pilots, enjoyed the flight as a passenger, but was a bit disconcerted by the lack of cabin noise.

 

[Danyelle Decuri, Air France Airbus Pilot]: 

"I know planes, but this plane is very comfortable. The silence, well, not normal for a plane, because we think the motors are not running! So its...but its a very beautiful aircraft."

 

Beautiful and quiet - the Airbus A380 has made its debut into the world of commercial flight.