SINGAPORE Airlines' first commercial flight of the Airbus A380, the world's biggest jetliner, to Japan was marred by bad weather on Tuesday as the Tokyo-bound plane was diverted to Nagoya, the airline said.

'SQ636, the inaugural A380 service from Singapore to Tokyo Narita, carrying 394 passengers and 28 crew onboard, has diverted to Nagoya due to bad weather at Narita Airport,' Singapore Airlines said in a statement.

It said Japanese air traffic controllers advised the pilot of 'strong winds and low-level wind shear' and 'the decision was made to divert to Nagoya for fuel and to await clearing of conditions at Narita.'

An airline spokesman said the aircraft, which left Singapore after midnight, had landed in Nagoya.

Singapore Airlines, the launch customer for the double-decker plane, currently flies the superjumbo on the Singapore-Sydney and Singapore-London routes.

The A380's inaugural Tokyo flight was scheduled to coincide with Narita Airport's 30th anniversary celebrations, Singapore Airlines said.

Airbus' A380 can carry up to 853 passengers but SIA, one of the world's most profitable airlines, has chosen a setup with a maximum 471 seats.

The design includes 12 suites, each with a full-length bed behind sliding doors, sheets by French design house Givenchy and flat-screen televisions.

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