Airbus Seeks Backers for Superjumbo Flying Casino

It's the world's biggest passenger plane, with a double-deck interior that can house in-flight gyms, shops and even a swimming pool. But for travelers who still have cash to spare, Airbus is in negotiations to transform its A380 super jumbo into a flying casino.

"Certain clients of ours have shown their interest," said David Velupillai, marketing director at Airbus executive aviation. "The principle draw of the A380 is that it offers 50% more floor space than a Boeing 747, and if you plan to create something like [a casino], you have enough space."

The jet, which has the widest cabin in passenger airline history, can seat up to 850 people, but carrying fewer passengers allows for innovations in luxury. Velupillai did not identify which airlines or casino operators were interested in slot machines and croupiers in the sky, but he said a fully equipped A380 with a casino on board could be available from 2012.

Flying casinos between Asia and the US are potentially big business. The South China Morning Post reported this week that one casino group with establishments in Las Vegas and the Chinese gambling enclave, Macau, intends to launch VIP charter flights between Las Vegas and Hong Kong.

Macau's gambling revenue in 2007 increased by 47% to $10.34bn, increasing its lead over US casino capital Las Vegas, which saw its revenues rise by 2.1% to $6.83bn. The A380's capacity means casino groups may see a chance to open up a market for gamblers to travel between the two.