Qantas Airways' inaugural Airbus A380 -- the world's largest airliner and the first commercial A380 flight to serve Los Angeles -- is scheduled to arrive from Melbourne, Australia on October 20, 2008 and land at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at approximately 7:30 a.m. Pacific Time.
The A380 will be an engine of economic growth in Los Angeles for years to come. One daily, international roundtrip of a wide-body aircraft to LAX generates $623 million in economic activity annually, more than 3,000 local jobs, and $156 million in wages. By 2012, LAX is expected to serve more A380 flights than any other airport in North America.
The Qantas A380 aircraft is scheduled to land on Runway 25L and taxi to Tom Bradley International Terminal for customary passenger deplaning and arrival procedures. The Qantas A380 will then be re-positioned for an arrival ceremony at the Flight Path Learning Center at the LAX Imperial Terminal at 6661 West Imperial Highway.
Also, for contrast in size, a Boeing 707, the first passenger jet built with Qantas' original livery, will be parked adjacent to the A380.
Welcome ceremony will include the following confirmed speakers:
-- The Honorable Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Mayor of Los Angeles
-- Geoff Dixon, CEO of Qantas Airways
-- John Travolta, Qantas Airways Global Goodwill Ambassador
The following participants will be in attendance, without speaking roles:
-- Alan Joyce, Qantas incoming CEO
-- Olivia Newton-John, Qantas Ambassador
-- Gina Marie Lindsay, LAWA Executive Director
-- Marc Newson, Renowned industrial designer and QF creative director
-- Neil Perry, Qantas Executive Chef and Owner of Rockpool Restaurants
-- Janice Hahn, City Councilwoman District 15
-- Bill Rosendahl, City Councilman District 11
EVENT MEDIA CREDENTIALS:
For security purposes, ALL media must pre-register with Agnes Huff Communications by 5:00 p.m. PDT, Friday, October 17, if planning to attend the arrival ceremony on Monday, October 20, 2008. The events will occur on airport property and are not open to the public. No "walk-ins" will be permitted.
All media representatives must bring government-issued photo identification to the media check-in desk at the Flight Path Learning Center for credentials that will be valid only for October 20, 2008. All media will be subject to a security check prior to entering the center. For media credentials, contact Agnes Huff Communications (AHCG) at (310) 641-2525 or e-mail Agnes Huff at ahuff@ahuffgroup.com OR Anna Jerden at ajerden@ahuffgroup.com. PLEASE PROVIDE NAME, ORGANIZATION, PHONE NUMBER AND E-MAIL.
