Airbus officially delivered its first A380 superjumbo to Singapore Airlines today. It’s been a bit of a wait — nearly two years past schedule — but it’s quite an aviation milestone, no matter how delayed.

The first official flight with passengers will be between Singapore and Sydney on October 25, so we’ll see more PR fanfare when that date approaches, I’m sure.

The timing of the A380’s official delivery nearly coincides with Boeing’s recently-announced six-month delay to its 787 Dreamliner delivery. After several years of trouble, it’s Airbus’ turn to bask in the warm glow of positive press for a while.

I saw the A380 when it made a pit stop at Chicago O’Hare in March 2007, and it was impressive. A behemoth, just absurdly large next to other planes. I laughed as an MD-80 shuttled past it, like a chihuahua standing next to a great dane.

In light of the Airbus debutante ball, enjoy this time-lapse video of an A380 being constructed.

Related:
- Video: Airbus A380 evacuation test
- Reader mail: How much will tickets on the Airbus A380 cost?
- Video: Airbus A380 landing in fierce crosswinds
- Airbus A380 at Chicago O’Hare
- Singapore Airlines ups the ante for business and first class travel — big time