Here is your first look at British Airways’ Airbus A380 registration G-XLEA (BA’s regos always hold significance – the XL in this case meaning Extra Large). BA will be the launch customer for the improved Airbus A380-800 which features a new build standard incorporating a strengthened airframe structure and a 1.5° increase in wing twist. This model also has its maximum take-off weight  increased by 4 t (8,800 lb), to 573 t (1,260,000 lb) and an additional 190 km (100 nmi) in range. Emirates new delivered A380s will also have this standard.

BA’s A380s will arrive early in 2013 with services likely to HKG, SIN and LAX. BA will also receive its 787s in 2013 becoming the first carrier to have boths planes simultaneously in operation.