Qatar Airways brought one of its A380 Superjumbos to Atlanta on Tuesday for the inaugual of the airline’s new flight to Doha. Wielding the broadest sword available in its ongoing fight against Delta Air Lines and other US carriers, the first flight was not without drama. The large Airbus was forced to park at a remote stand after the sole A380 gate at the world’s busiest airport was left occupied by an A320. Subsequent flights on the new route between the hubs of two foes will be operated by Qatar’s 777-200 LR aircraft.
Invited members of the media stand around the A380, waiting to climb onboard using a service staircase.
Personnel stand under the nose of the superjumbo while the aircraft is serviced.
A view of the A380’s twin decks.
One of the A380’s four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines.
The Superjumbo’s large wingtip fence and even larger vertical stabilizer.
Onboard, the 3-4-3 economy class configuration.
One of the spacious first class seats on Qatar Airways’ A380.
Another view showing just how large the first class seat is.
A first class seat that has been transformed into a bed.
The business class cabin onboard Qatar Airways’ A380.
The onboard bar area for premium cabin passengers.
Contributor Brian Stevenson in Atlanta contributed the photos for this tour.