European aircraft manufacturer Airbus said last week it had delivered a second A380 jumbo jet, the world's largest civilian airliner, to Singapore Airlines.

The plane, delivered 18 months behind schedule because of A380 programme production problems, left Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in southern France for Singapore.

This second aircraft, we'll bring it back to Singapore and as soon as we do some minor (adjustments) to the cabin, we'll then deploy it to Singapore-Sydney sevices (and so) ... relieve the first aircraft," Captain Robert Ting said.

The first A380 was handed over to Singapore Airlines on 15 October and since 28 October has been operating daily service between Singapore and Sydney, according to Airbus.

But the airline said on Friday it had grounded the plane after its front wheels had rolled off the taxiway onto the grass beside the apron when the aircraft came loose from the tug pushing it away from the terminal to begin its flight.

No-one was injured in the incident on Thursday, Singapore Airlines spokesperson said, but the 450 passengers on board who were bound for Sydney were taken off to enable the plane to be moved and inspected for damage.

"The plane steered to the right after it was unhinged on the runway," an airline spokesperson told AFP in Singapore. "The front wheels moved onto the grass patch next to the runway but the aircraft did not move any further."

There had been no significant damage and the hulking, double-decker plane was scheduled to resume its regular flight to Sydney later Friday, the spokesperson said.

Captain Ting said it was a privilege to fly the plane to Singapore, with its delivery to the airline coming some 10 days earlier than planned.

Airbus said the earlier handover had had nothing to do with Thursday's incident in Singapore.

"This delivery was planned for within the next 10 days but the last test flight was made (Thursday) at Toulouse and so we were able to deliver it today (Friday)," Airbus marketing manager Richard Carcaillet told reporters.

Singapore Airlines is to receive four more A380s, which can carry up tp 853 passengers, this year.

The airline has chosen a design with up to 471 seats, including 12 suites each equipped with a full-length bed behind sliding doors, sheets by French design house Givenchy and flat-screen televisions.

Airbus has so far received 193 firm orders for the A380 from 17 clients.

AFP