The world's biggest passenger plane, the A380 unveiled by Airbus yesterday, responds to the new needs of air travellers, Malaysia Airlines chairman Ahmad Fuaad Dahalan said.

"We think that this project can meet the growing needs of air travel," Ahmad Fuaad told reporters ahead of the flashy ceremony that saw Airbus formally unveil its new superjumbo jet.

MAS to buy six jets

Ahmad Fuaad, whose company has ordered six A380s, said the jet would allow Malaysia's flag carrier to provide more seats on its existing routes and would "play a major role in our long-term market explansion plans".

"The A380 will be our new flagship," Ahmad Fuaad said. "The A380s in our fleet will definitely raise the passenger benchmark for comfort."

Malaysian Airlines is to begin using the A380 from 2007.