Airline industry experts were among the first in the German city of Hamburg to see the interior of the much-anticipated superjumbo jet, the Airbus 380, on Tuesday. 

"Aircraft Expo 2005" gave the public a sneak preview of what it would be like to sit in a seat or visit the lounge and bar area of the world's largest plane.

The head of CDBT Industrial Design for Airbus Germany, Michael Lau, said the concept of the plane was to encourage interaction between passengers.

"We have a lot of remaining areas which can be used for various fixtures, ranging from more seat space, self-service facilities, bars and lounges, to showers or gym areas."

He added that various aspects of the plane, such as lighting, can be adjusted to meet the specifications of each customer.

This is the first time a concrete model of the interior, built to scale, has been displayed.

The airbus is capable of carrying some 550 passengers and is wider than its competitor, the Boeing 747.

The plane will begin commercial flights next year and has an expected flight range of 15,000 kilometers.

(CRI.com April 7, 2005)