The orders follow a commitment announced by Qantas in October.

"The A380 is clearly the most suitable aircraft for Qantas to meet passenger traffic growth on our dense long-haul routes," said Dixon. "The aircraft will play a key role in alleviating airport congestion without losing capacity. It has breakthrough technology, and everything we have seen reinforces our view that it is the best aircraft available for Qantas. It is an aircraft that will provide unprecedented comfort and space for our passengers and at the same time meet our payload and range requirements."

In 2000, Qantas became one of the first airlines to commit to the A380, placing an original order for 12 aircraft, first deliveries of which will commence in August 2008.

"A repeat order from a premier carrier like Qantas is more than a vote of confidence in the A380. It not only reaffirms Qantas' commitment to the product, it also shows that the A380 is an aircraft for the future of air travel. Certification has demonstrated that the aircraft is technically ready to fly. It also shows that the aircraft has all the characteristics in performance and comfort and economics to become a 21st-century flagship for airlines", said Galois.

On December 12, the A380 received European Aviation Safety Agency and US Federal Aviation Administration certification, after more than 2,600 flight hours and 800 test flights involving five aircraft.

During the certification process, the A380 demonstrated easy airport acceptance and compatibility by visiting 38 airports round the world.

The A380 also has the lowest fuel burn per passenger of any aircraft, resulting in low engine emissions. In addition, it is one of the quietest aircraft ever and complies with the world's toughest noise restrictions at London's Heathrow Airport.