Airbus announced Wednesday it launched a project to ensure smooth operation of A380 aircraft in China.

The first A380 delivery to China Southern Airlines, which will also be the first delivery of an A380 to China, is scheduled in the last quarter of 2007, .

A kick-off meeting co-organized by Airbus and China Southern Airlines was held to work together in order to take full advantage of A380 innovation and technology and to optimise the way to operate first A380 in China.

The 555-seat A380, which was launched in December 2000 and made a successful maiden voyage in April this year,is due to enter service in 2006. So far, 16 airlines around the world have ordered a total 159 A380 aircraft.

Source: Xinhua