SINGAPORE, March 12, 2008 (AFP) - Singapore Airlines (SIA) has taken delivery of a third Airbus A380 superjumbo which will be deployed on the London route later this month, the flag carrier said.

The world's biggest passenger plane will start its Singapore-London commercial service on March 18, SIA said late Tuesday in a statement.

'With the addition of this third aircraft into its fleet, Singapore Airlines will commence A380 flights to London Heathrow airport... this will be the first ever A380 commercial service to Europe,' the carrier said in the statement.

SIA currently flies two A380s between Singapore and Sydney after commencing service in October.

The carrier acquired its first A380 in October last year, becoming the first airline in the world to operate the world's biggest passenger jet.

SIA has committed to buy another 16 A380s with options for six more of the superjumbo planes.