Jumbo-tastic!

The world’s biggest passenger jet was unveiled yesterday, along with predictions that it will “revolutionise” air travel. The Airbus 380, which is reportedly capable of carrying as many as 900 passengers, will reportedly be tested early next year, with many major airlines using the new plane within three years. The airport operator BAA has predicted that the new jet will account for some 60,000 take-offs and landings at Heathrow by 2016, equivalent to one in eight flights at the airport. According to the Daily Mail, Virgin Atlantic, which has already ordered six of the new planes, will install about 550 seats and devote some of the extra space to self-service cafes. Sir Richard Branson reportedly said: “At a time when airport capacity is scarce, this gives a chance to fly more people out of the Heathrow slots that we have managed to get hold of.” The Guardian reports that 11 carriers have already ordered a total of 129 Airbus 380s, and while British Airways has not jet jumped on the bandwagon, Airbus is stating that it is “still confident” of winning the flag-carrier over.