THE world’s largest passenger plane could be seen overhead earlier this morning (Monday July 29), on its way to land at Cardiff Airport as part of a test run.

British Airwaves’ first A380 superjumbo flew into the airport at 9am as part of its preparations for long-haul operations.

It also gave the airport the chance to prove it can handle such a huge place, in case of future events.

A BA press release said it will also help build the airline’s pilots’ flight training hours, and allow BA engineering staff based at the maintenance base at Cardiff Airport to view the newest member of the airline’s almost 300 strong aircraft fleet.

Cardiff Airport's chief executive John Horne said there could be a potential for long haul flights from the city's airport.

"I think what British Airways are looking at is very much using Cardiff as a potential diversion," Mr Horne told BBC Radio Wales.

"With the A380, it's not every airport in the UK that can take that aircraft so we're in a very good position and I would expect to see it from time to time operating into Cardiff."

Staff at British Airways Maintenance Cardiff (BAMC) - which employs more than 800 people - were able view the fleet's latest arrival.

BAMC general manager Bill Kelly said: "This is a really exciting time for us, for British Airways and for the airport.

"Today's very much about testing the aircraft, testing the airport's procedures should we need to use this airfield in a diversion, and celebrating its introduction into service."

Each A380 will carry 469 passengers and the first commercial flights are due to begin in autumn 2013.

The 72m (236ft) long aircraft stands at 24m (78ft), and has a range of 9,500 miles (15,000km).

Singapore Airlines was the first carrier to operate an A380, with its first flight taking place in October 2007.

The A380 is due to depart the airport today from 2pm.

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