Airbus has marked a new A380 programme milestone with its delivery of the 50th aircraft, received by Singapore Airlines – the first carrier to inaugurate revenue service with the 21st century flagship jetliner in 2007.

This brings the total number of A380s delivered in 2011 to nine, with Lufthansa and Qantas having each received three during the year – while Singapore Airlines joins Air France and new operator Korean Air with one apiece. Singapore Airlines now has a total of 12 A380s in its fleet.