Amid pomp and ceremony the Airbus A380 superjumbo headed for Heathrow Airport on its first commercial flight to Europe.

Speeches were made and champagne flowed as more than 470 passengers, including a number of Britons, flew out of Singapore's Changi airport on the 14-hour journey to London.

Among those aboard the Singapore Airlines, giant double-decker, Rolls-Royce powered aircraft was photographer Mark Wright, 45, from Wollaston.

"I'm just thrilled to be on the plane," said Mr Wright.

Roger and Sue Simpson, from Fowey, Cornwall, had expected to be on a conventional jumbo jet but found to their pleasure that their flight had been earmarked as the inaugural A380 European run.

Mr Simpson, 56, a retired environmental manager, said: "This plane is a step in the right direction. It's quiet, less-polluting and roomy."

Those on board today received personalised certificates marking the event.

Singapore Airlines and manufacturer Airbus boast that the aircraft is the quietest and greenest big plane.

Passengers today were sitting in three classes - first class, which has 12 luxury suites with 23-inch TV and cinema screens and double beds; business class where 60 people can enjoy flat-bed sleeping; and economy where nearly 400 passengers have seat-back screens and more room than rival aircraft.

Singapore Airlines UK and Ireland general manager Marvin Tan said: "The arrival of the first commercial A380 flight to London will be a proud moment not only for Singapore Airlines but also for British aviation, with the magnificent wings of the aircraft made in Broughton, North Wales, and Filton, Bristol, and powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines."

Ian Godden, chief executive of the Society of British Aerospace companies, said: "Aerospace is a manufacturing success story in the UK, investing over £2.5 billion per year in research and development. Without the contributions from many British and British-based companies air passengers around the world would literally not be able to get off the ground."

British Airways is due to take the first of its ordered A380s in 2012, with Sir Richard Branson's airline, Virgin Atlantic, receiving its first superjumbo in 2013.

Singapore Airlines now has three A380s. Australian carrier Qantas is due to take delivery of the first of its superjumbos this summer, with Dubai-based airline Emirates beginning its A380 services from Dubai to London on December 1.