Singapore Airlines Sells Seats For First A380 Flight on eBay

Singapore Airlines Ltd. plans to auction off seats for the first commercial A380 flight on eBay Inc.'s Singaporean auction site, with all proceeds from the auction going to charity.

The A380, built by Airbus S.A.S., is the world's largest commercial jet liner and can seat up to 555 passengers, although the aircraft ordered by Singapore Airlines are designed to seat fewer than 480 passengers. Singapore Airlines is the first airline to put the new jet into service, with the inaugural flight set to take off in October from Singapore to Sydney.

Anticipating high demand from aircraft enthusiasts for a seat on the inaugural A380 flight, Singapore Airlines decided to auction off tickets on eBay's Singapore Web site. Proceeds from the auction will be split into thirds, with one-third going to Singapore's Community Chest; one-third split between the Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, and The Children's Hospital at Westmead; and one-third donated to Midecins Sans Frontihres.

"Bids will be invited for seats on this history-making flight, and winning bidders will know that every dollar they pay will go to worthwhile charities," the airline said in a statement. Exxon Mobile Aviation will donate fuel for the flight, it said.

Singapore Airlines did not say when the auction for A380 tickets will start, but is accepting registrations from people interested in bidding for the tickets.

The lowest price for a single round-trip ticket from Singapore to Sydney costs S$900 (US$597) on the Singapore Airlines Web site. However, that price is only valid until Sept. 30.