The Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger plane has successfully taken off on its long-awaited first flight. Many thousands of aeroplane enthusiasts witnessed the twin-deck “superjumbo” taking to the air on its maiden journey. The flight is due to last between one and five hours, depending on weather conditions and how the plane handled.

The A380 took off from its production site in Toulouse. The crew were equipped with parachutes and an escape door was fitted.

As many as 50,000 people are thought to have watched the take-off, many sitting on the grass banks that line the runway. The take-off was also broadcast live on television and thousands of enthusiasts watched via a giant screen in Toulouse’s main square.
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