Big bird touches down in Sydney

The world's largest passenger jet touched down in Sydney for the first time yesterday, ushering in what is being touted as a new era in air travel.

But some of the sheen has been taken off the Airbus A380's Australian debut, with the makers facing possible multimillion-dollar compensation claims for late delivery to airlines, including Qantas.

After circling low over Sydney Harbour three times, the seven-storey tall jet touched down at Sydney slightly behind schedule just after 10am (noon NZT).

Hundreds of enthusiasts gathered around the airport for a glimpse of the hulking plane, which can carry up to 840 passengers.

Qantas has pre-purchased 12 of the A380s, but the airline is one of several seeking compensation for late delivery. The Australian carrier won't take delivery of its first A380 until April 2007 - six months late.

The A380, with its capacity to carry 840 passengers in a single-class economy configuration, is vastly bigger than the Boeing 747, which can carry 600 economy passengers. The A380 is also said to make half the noise of a 747 and has greater fuel efficiency. The A380 will fly to Melbourne today, before going to Brisbane on Tuesday for an 85th birthday party for Qantas.

- AAP