Air France became the first European airline to take delivery of the new Airbus A380 superjumbo passenger jet, which it says will make it great savings in tough economic times.

Air France A380

The French flag carrier received the huge craft at the Airbus plant in the northern German city of Hamburg in a ceremony and then flew it to Paris's Charles de Gaulle airport.

Air France A380's first commercial flight is scheduled for November 20, from Paris to New York.

Economy class

The aircraft will be configured with 449 economy seats, 80 business class seats and nine first class seats.

Air France has ordered 12 of the A380 model, but like other airlines has postponed the purchase of some of them due to the economic slowdown.

A380 to save $18 to $22 mn a year

Air France said each A380 will enable the company to save $18 to $22 million a year, which ... provides the company with the means to withstand the crisis.

Airbus logo

Three other airlines outside Europe have already taken delivery of the 330-million-dollar A380 -- Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Australian carrier Qantas.

Exit sign board

View of the exit sign aboard the first Air France A380.

Technical leaflet

A passenger reads the technical leaflet of the first Air France A380 during its flight from the Airbus plant in Hamburg to Paris' Roissy airport on October 30, 2009.

Exit door

A crew member shows one of the exit door of the first Air France A380 during its flight from the Airbus plant in Hamburg to Paris' Roissy airport on October 30, 2009.

Engines

View taken through the glass window showing the engines of the first Air France A380.

Screen

Picture shows a screen taken in the cabin of the first Air France A380.

Cabin of the Air France A380

Air France crew members work in the cabin of the first Air France A380 during its flight from the Airbus plant in Hamburg to Paris' Roissy airport on October 30, 2009.

Ground staff take photo

Air France ground staff take a photo of their company's first Airbus A380 double-deck passenger jet after a christening ceremony at the Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport near Paris on October 30, 2009.

Air France Airbus A380

The first Air France Airbus A380 double-deck passenger jet arrives at the gate after a ceremony at the Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport.

First class cabin

An Air France KLM flight attendant poses at the first class cabin of new Airbus A380 aircraft during a hand-over ceremony at the manufacturer's site in Finkenwerder near Hamburg October 30, 2009.

Crew members walk down the red carpet

Air France crew members walk down the red carpet after the A380 was handed over by Airbus in Hamburg on October 30, 2009.

Espace Gallery

View of the 'Espace Gallery', for first and business class with screens showing exhibitions from World Museums aboard the Airbus A380.

Video player system

An Air France Crew member explains the video player system in the business class onboard the new Airbus A380.

First class

An Air France Crew member poses in the first class onboard the new Airbus A380.