The world's biggest passenger jet, a double-decker Airbus A380 superjumbo, continued its tour of its regional customers today in Malaysia, where the giant plane is due to come into service in 2007 with the national carrier.

"It is an historic moment for Malaysia and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport," Umar Bustamam, general manager commercial division with Malaysia Airports Holdings told AFP .

"It is a huge white bird with A380 marking in blue on its tail. Its landing was a great success. No problem at all," he added.

The Airbus A380 arrived late yesterday, touching down at 8.30pm at the KLIA, Malaysia's futuristic new airport south of the capital.

The plane's tour of the region - to Singapore, Australia and Malaysia - to visit launch customers Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Malaysia Airlines began last week after a couple of days' delay due to engine problems.

Umar said the successful landing proved that the existing infrastructure - runway and taxiway - were capable of accommodating this huge aircraft.

"Now we just need to upgrade the terminal area to cater for the double-decker plane. We need to build double-decker aero-bridges to receive the passengers," he said.

Umar said Malaysia Airports, the operator of some 39 airports in the country, that the company was calling for tenders for the construction of the new infrastructure.

"The facilities will be ready by end of 2006," he said.

Malaysia Airports had previously said the A380 tour would give customers a chance to see the aircraft at first hand and airports an early opportunity to check their preparedness to handle it in commercial service.

"Whilst at the airport, the A380 will undergo some airport compatibility and simulation tests," the company said.

MAS to get six A380

Umar predicted that once national carrier Malaysia Airlines operates the plane, it would boost business opportunities for the airport.

"Hopefully this will translate into more tourist arrivals. It will have a positive impact on business," he said.

Umar said the plane would return to Toulouse, France on Friday.

Malaysia Airlines said in September that it was informed by Airbus that its first A380 would be delivered in July 2007 instead of January that year, with the last of the six aircraft being handed over in May 2009.

Airbus has said it will pay compensation for such delays, caused by technical and engineering problems on the project.

The double-decker A380 can carry between 555 and 840 passengers and is a key part of Airbus' strategy of seizing the technological high ground in its unending rivalry with US aerospace giant Boeing, which has just announced plans to build a larger version of its iconic 747, the original jumbo jet.

The A380 landed in neighbouring Singapore last Friday on its first flight outside Europe after a 12-hour journey from the manufacturer's headquarters in France.

So far, Airbus has received more than 150 orders for the A380 and counts among its other customers Qatar Airways, China Southern Airlines and Thai Airways.