Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, Chairman of Kingdom Holding company, has signed a firm order with Airbus for an A380 Flying Palace, becoming the first customer for the VIP version of the new double-deck airliner.

The A380 will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines. It will undergo cabin outfitting at a yet to be chosen completion centre.

Airbus’ A380 Flying Palace allows customers to trade up to more space, more comfort and a more modern design that flies non-stop to the world. It will also allow them to benefit from more tranquil travel in the A380’s outstandingly quiet cabin, as well as the peace of mind that its four engines bring.

“Prince Alwaleed’s order means that Airbus’ sales success in the corporate jet market now extends from its smallest aircraft, the A318 Elite, all the way up to its largest, the A380 Flying Palace,” comments Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy. “It also complements our strong VIP A330/A340 sales,” he adds.

Airbus’ A380 is the world’s newest airliner, and entered service last month with Singapore Airlines, one of many prestigious customers.

Featuring a wider fuselage than today’s largest aircraft plus 50 per cent more floorspace (551 m2/5,930 ft2), the Airbus A380 has also been designed to use existing runways - taking off and landing in less distance.

Sales of the Airbus Corporate Jetliner Family, comprising the A318 Elite, ACJ and A320 Prestige, recently passed the 100 order milestone, highlighting their increasing appeal to corporate, individual and government customers. In addition, more than 40 Airbus widebodies are in widespread VIP and government service.

All Airbus aircraft feature the most modern designs in their class, delivering unmatched appeal and value to the passengers that fly in them and the companies that buy and operate them. Benefits include the latest fuel-saving aerodynamic designs, extensive use of weight-saving carbonfibre, a common cockpit that reduces training costs, cost and time-saving centralised maintenance, and a worldwide customer support network.

© 2007 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)