A380 'superjumbo' takes off for maiden flight

With some relief - because this aircraft is described as in service in my book, Deja Vu, which is set in the year 2023 - I note that the Airbus A380 has successfully completed its maiden flight. You can read all about it on the BBC (naturally):

Thousands of aeroplane enthusiasts, many of them clapping and cheering, witnessed the twin-deck "superjumbo" taking to the air for the first time.

Rather them than me:

The crew was equipped with parachutes. A handrail has been fitted, leading from the cockpit to an escape door.

Now, as long as Heathrow's terminal five gets built on time...