'Superjumbo' suites lay down new era in air travel

Singapore Airlines has unveiled a slice of hotel-style luxury for the skies as it took possession of the first of a new fleet of "superjumbos".

Well-heeled Singapore Airlines passengers on board the new Airbus A380 will be able to relax in their own extravagant double bed.

The new planes will have 471 seats split between economy, business class and opulent "suites" described as "a class beyond first".

The 12 suites will cost up to a quarter more than normal first class and feature linen by Givenchy and upholstery by the makers of seats for Ferrari and Maserati cars.

Chiefs at Airbus have billed the colossal 240ft-long design as the successor to the 747 jumbo jet, and British Airways last month announced an order for 12 to come into service in 2012.