March 21, 2007: The various television channels across the US had a spectacular event to cover a couple of days ago. The event marked the US debut of the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger jet. And it was Qantas Airways that was making aviation history when its new superjumbo passenger jet touched down at Los Angeles International Airport.

The test flight of the world's largest passenger jet, which can carry up to 850 passengers, began in Toulouse, France, and the landing drew thousands of spectators who ringed the Los Angeles airport, a report said. The take off and the touchdown were broadcast live by several TV stations.

According to a report, Airbus, the French-based airline maker, had ensured maximum publicity for the US debut of its new superjumbo, which dwarf's rival Boeing's 747. As the Qantas A380 landed in Los Angeles, another A380 flown by German airline company Lufthansa was scheduled to land at New York's JFK Airport. While the Qantas A380 did not carry passengers, Lufthansa's A380 had 500 passengers on board and the event marked important test events, added the report.

The occasion was not just a test for the A380s, but the long runways of the LA airport was also put to test. The dual landings tested the airport runway too, built at a cost of millions of dollars to cater to the large new A380s.

Qantas has said that it plans to start commercial flights from Australia to Los Angeles with its new fleet of A380s in August next year. Qantas was included in landing because it will be the first airline to fly an A380 commercially to Los Angeles, a report added.