The Airbus A380 has made its first commercial flight in Europe, landing at Heathrow airport from Singapore.

The Airbus is currently operated by Singapore Airlines, which has three in service and 16 more on order, and features a new double-decker design capable of holding 470 people.

British Airways has placed an order for 12 planes for delivery in 2012, while rival Virgin Atlantic has ordered six for the following year.

BAA has built a special pier at Terminal 3 to accommodate four of the new models at any one time. It has also had to alter runways and taxiways at Heathrow.

The new Terminal 5, which was officially opened by the Queen in March, will also be able to handle the Airbus.