KEY POINTS:
Thousands of people looked skyward yesterday as the world's largest aircraft soared above Auckland.
The double-decker Qantas A380 took off on a promotional flight from Auckland Airport at 10am carrying local dignitaries, business leaders, tourism figures and media representatives on a short flight their boarding passes said was to "fictitious point" - which turned out to be the sunny sky above Northland.
The first surprise occurred on take-off - even veteran travellers commented on how quiet the plane was.
One former All Black on the flight joked how he wished he could have flown in planes like this during his playing days, and business executives said they were impressed with how much space they had.
Stretched out on his business-class seat that converts to a bed, former All Black and Auckland lock Gary Whetton told the Weekend Herald he could easily fall asleep after only a few moments.
The plane's 14 first-class suites took away the breath of even those who often fly first class.
Lion Nathan managing director Peter Kean said the suites had everything flyers could need.
"It's like having your own private mini hotel room. You could get a lot of work done without any interference."
First class has a bed a passenger can lie fully flat in, a sheepskin mattress, a swivel chair and a table for two.
Economy passengers have a free drinks and snack bar and business-class passengers have a lounge with big-screen television, sofa and a bar.
They also have seats that become fully reclining beds with a massager.
The aircraft is split into four sections, with first class and economy up front on the lower deck and business class and premium economy on top.
The plane's most impressive features yesterday were the quietness of the engines and the smoothness of the flight, even as the A380 was being buffeted by winds.
The joyride was extended when air traffic controllers warned of heavy air traffic and then the pilot aborted landing after he was made aware of potentially dangerous wind shear.
Passengers didn't mind the delays as they were flown towards Piha and then back over the city before touching down shortly before noon.
As the plane flew 1000m above the city, plane watchers gathered at whatever vantage points they could find.
On Mt Eden about 200 watchers caused traffic to back up, although police were not aware of any major problems.
Yesterday's promotional flight coincided with the opening of the airport's new international terminal pier and bridges built specifically to accommodate the giant planes.
The $50 million project marked the next stage of development of the airport, which is expected to have 25 million passengers by 2025.
The airport is the only one in the country that can host the A380 jet.
