FRANKFURT (AP) -- Air France took delivery of its first Airbus A380 superjumbo Friday, and will become the first European carrier to fly the double-decker when it uses it on its Paris-New York route from Nov. 20.

The first of the 12 A380s Air France ordered was handed over at a ceremony at Airbus' plant in Hamburg, Germany.

"Each A380 will enable Air France to save euro12 million to euro15 million ($18 to $22 million) a year, which ... provides the company with the means to withstand the crisis," said Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, Air France KLM chief executive, at the ceremony.

"Air France will therefore be able to offer customers even greater comfort, while keeping costs under control."

The aircraft will be configured with 449 economy seats, 80 business class seats and nine first class seats.