Airbus big, but toilet troubles All Black lock

JOHN SELKIRK/Fairfax media

SUPERSIZED: A Qantas A380 sits on the tarmac at Auckland Airport.

JOHN SELKIRK/Dominion Post

A PROUD NOSE: The Airbus A380 in Auckland.

JOHN SELKIRK/Dominion Post

WINGS OF DESIRE: The Airbus A380 in Auckland.

MICHAEL FIELD/Fairfax Media

Qantas' new Airbus A380 over Auckland's Skytower this morning.

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The new Qantas A380 stopped traffic as it made a smooth, very quiet ascent over Auckland this morning.

The streets below were jammed with motorists keen to catch a glimpse of the giant double-decker plane.

Passengers and former All Blacks Andy Haden and Alan Whetton carried out an official big-boy test of its business class seats and gave them the thumbs-up, saying they were very spacious with lots of leg room.

However, Mr Haden, a 193cm lock, was disappointed that he was unable to stand up while using the toilet.

The aircraft is in Auckland for a promotional flight over the city before Qantas begins regular scheduled flights between Australia and the United States this year, and from Australia to London early next year.

The plane departed Auckland International Airport for 'Fictitious Point' this morning with 450 local dignitaries, media, travel agents and other industry players on board and was due to return at 11.15am but was delayed to a series of events.

First, air traffic control sent the aircraft on an extended joy ride because of heavy air traffic at the airport, then the pilot aborted his landing after being advised there were indications of potentially dangerous wind sheer over the airport.

After circling the city once more, the aircraft landed smoothly shortly before noon.

The flight was planned to coincide with the official opening of the airport’s new pier and bridges, which were built especially to handle the super-sized, double-decker A380 airbuses.

While Qantas does not plan to operate A380 flights out of Auckland, Emirates will be introducing them on its daily cross-Tasman flights from February.

The aircraft is divided into four sections, with first class and economy up front on the lower deck and business class and premium economy up top.

The plane has an abundance of features, including a free drinks and snack bar for economy passengers and fully reclining beds in business that include a delightful massager that will have occupants floating off to dreamland in seconds.

The first class "suites" feature swivel chairs, guest seat and extra long and extra wide seats that turn into a bed at a touch of a button.

But the roomy premium economy section has a serious flaw, in that the honey-combed pattern on the back of the seats makes your eyes swim and left at least one passenger with a migraine headache.

But the real "wow" factor was how quiet the engines were, both on take off and in flight, and the smoothness of the ride.

- © Fairfax NZ News