Out and about, up and away

Yesterday Airbus announced that the new A380 super-jumbo has slipped behind in its delivery schedule. While the first production aircraft will be delivered to Singapore Airlines late this year, only nine aircraft will be delivered next year instead of the 27 originally planned. The delay will also affect Qantas deliveries scheduled for 2007.

I'm really looking forward to flying this new generation aircraft. I already feel that I've made a contribution to the innugural Qantas flight. Last year I had the misfortune of participating in a Qantas focus group. Ten of us were invited to look at potential entertainment features being planned for the A380.

Online versions of daily newspapers were some of the innovations being considered. Thumbs up for that idea. However we all gave the thumbs down to personal greeting message that flashed on screen when you board. It certainly wasn't my idea of a personal touch. It reminds me of those form letters you get from junk mail companies.

Garry and I get to see our first A380 up close and personal on July 22. We've purchased tickets to the Farnborough International Airshow. I've always wanted to go to this show, or alternatively, the Paris Air Show. The aerobatics and supersonic fly-bys will be worth the cost of the ticket alone. I'm also guaranteed to spend hours in the Space pavilion learning about European Space Agency's latest activities. Garry's bringing a friend to keep him company while I wander the trade halls lost in aeronautic bliss.

We've also bought tickets for the Hampton Court Flower Show on July 9. This will be our first chance to experience both Hampton Court Palace and a genuine British Floral Exhibition. The palace has beautifully kept gardens covering almost 60 acres. They were first designed and landscaped for King Henry VII in 1529. Hampton Court is also the site of a popular hedge maze. Planted in the late-1600s, it contains half a mile (800 m) of paths.