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Published on September 2, 2007

A winglet of the world's largest passenger jet hit an airport hangar, resulting in a delay of its takeoff for a round trip to Chiang Mai.

No one was injured but all passengers, including VIPs such as Air Force chief ACM Chalit Pukpasuk, who is also chairman of THAI, were asked to stay put.

The double-decker jet finally took off after both winglets were removed.

Apinant Sumanaseranee, president of the national flag carrier, said the pilots were not at fault, but suspected that the accident might have resulted from insufficient space and incorrect demarcation on the tarmac.

He said action would be taken to modify the hangar to accommodate the A380 since it was not designed specifically for the large passenger jet, which has a wingspan of 79.8 metres.

The plane returned yesterday evening without further problems.

THAI has ordered a total of six Airbus A380s, the first of which will be delivered in 2010.

Captain Terry Lutz, the test flight's pilot, said the accident had occurred while being towed to the taxi-way.

There was a miscom-munication with the ground staff, resulting in the mishap.

Lutz said the damage did not affect the aircraft's safety and both winglets could be removed because they are meant simply to save fuel.

Airbus said the accident was minor and could hap-pen at any airport. The A380 will complete its four-stop Asian tour with visits to Hanoi, Hong Kong and Seoul.