The vertical tailplane (VTP) for the first A380 for Skymark Airlines has been painted with the Japanese airline’s logo at Airbus’ facilities in Hamburg and transported by Beluga to Toulouse, where final assembly of the aircraft is now underway. This paves the way for completion and subsequent delivery to Skymark Airlines later this year.

Skymark Airlines, Japan’s third largest and fast growing airline, has placed six firm A380 orders with Airbus and will thus become the first Japanese airline to offer its passengers the unique and new experience of flying on the A380. Skymark plans to operate its A380s on international trunk routes, in particular linking Narita to destinations in the US.