Los Angeles Welcomes Return of Airbus A380 to LAX

"The City of Los Angeles, Airbus, LAWA and Qantas have been working closely together for a number of years to prepare for the arrival of this remarkable aircraft which will offer both environmental advantages and state-of-the-art passenger comfort and convenience," says Wally R. Mariani, Qantas Airways senior executive vice president, the Americas and Pacific. "The preparation that has been required at LAX has been enormous and we are very excited that Qantas will host the inaugural A380 passenger service to LAX in 2008."

The chairman of Airbus Americas, Allan McArtor, after first visiting LAX with the A380 in March, had promised to bring a fully-outfitted A380 back to LAX.

"Airbus wants to recognize the tremendous progress LAWA has made through the leadership of the Mayor, City Council and Board of Airport Commissioners in preparing LAX for the next generation of environmentally friendly aircraft," McArtor said. "LAX is secured as the premiere A380 gateway to America."

"Since the dawn of the jet age Los Angeles has played a central role in aviation, but we cannot take the city's star status for granted," Villaraigosa adds.

"In order to preserve our premiere international gateway status, we must show air carriers and air travelers that we understand the potential of next generation aircraft and are prepared for the challenges of a changing aviation marketplace," Villaraigosa said. "The return of the A380 to LAX is a significant milestone in our momentous journey."