Hong Kong: A380

This morning, an A380 -- the world's largest passenger jet -- did a low flypast over Hong Kong's mass of skyscrapers to launch Asia's largest airshow. The conference is being held in Hong Kong for the first time in 25 years, since it moved from its original home in Singapore, a shift that organisers say reflects the booming aviation market. I was thinking of going one evening -- but that's probably just too geeky for words!

The double-decker Airbus A380 flew as low as 1,000 feet -- just off the territory's tallest landmark, the 1,400-foot International Finance Centre (IFC).

This is despite an accident in Bangkok that damaged the tip of the jet's left wing, (an aircraft hanger apparently ran out in front of it!), forcing it to delay its takeoff.

It's clearly a massive plane -- I don't fancy flying in it for a couple of years i.e. until its safety record is firmed. Can you imagine if one of these beasts fell out of the sky over e.g. Chiswick? Not nice.

M