Airbus' giant A380 jetliner flew into the Philippines on Thursday as part of a series of test flights to show the jumbo aircraft could fit in existing runways in Asia, reported dpa. The A380 flew in to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Melbourne. Test pilot Peter Chandler said the landing went smoothly and the plane was able to taxi to a parking area without any hitches. "The landing had no troubles at all, absolutely no problem," he told a press conference. The visit to Manila was part of a series of test flights to show the jumbo jet could "fit in today's airport infrastructure," according to Airbus senior marketing manager Julian Manhes. The A380 can accommodate as many as 850 passengers if the plane is laid out in all economy-class seating. Airbus already has 165 orders and 20 commitments from 15 airlines for the giant aircraft. The first delivery to Singapore Airlines will take place next week.
