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It is the world's biggest commercial airliner and manufacturer Airbus believes it will revolutionise long-haul travel with greater comfort and cheaper fares.

And Australians will be among the first to benefit, with Sydney Airport set to welcome the A380's first ever commercial flight later this year.

In economy class, the double-decker A380 features seats with an extra inch of shoulder space on each side.  Business class is designed in three sets of two seats. The seats also extend into a fully horizontal position.  In first class, passengers will have their own private capsule with a bed and chair.  Airlines can also opt for features such as bars in first class and business class and self service galleys in economy class, as well as duty free shops.

Sydney Airport will receive the A380's first commercial flight when Singapore Airlines starts flying the super jumbo on the Singapore to Sydney route in late December.  The airline intends to fly at less than the aircraft's capacity with 480 passengers in three classes, with plans for the extra space remaining a closely guarded secret.

Sydney Airport has already spent $120 million preparing for the A380 by building new aero bridges, strengthening runways and straightening up taxiways.

So far, 16 major airlines including Qantas, Lufthansa, Emirates and Virgin Atlantic have placed a total of 159 firm orders for the A380. Airbus has forecast that it must sell 250 to break even.

More than 60 airports around the world will be ready for A380 operations by 2010 with major hubs such as Frankfurt, Paris, London Heathrow, San Francisco and Singapore also preparing for the A380.

The Australian