NORTH-EAST know-how has helped the world's largest passenger plane get off the ground.

It was hailed as a testimony to old Europe and a history-making achievement when the double-decker "superjumbo" completed its maiden voyage yesterday.

Aviation experts and enthusiasts eulogised about engineering greatness, while Airbus executives and European heads of state simply wanted to take part in a round of mutual backslapping.

But here in the North-East, in the offices and on the shopfloors of four engineering companies, there was quiet satisfaction and a huge sense of pride.

While worldwide acclaim was heaped on Airbus, without the precision work of companies such as those in County Durham and on Teesside, none of it would have been possible.

Engineering firm Harkers, in Stockton, created a component for the wing into which the landing gear goes and Aerospace Systems and Technologies, in Consett, supplied 220 separate wing parts.

Rolls-Royce, which employs 400 people in Sunderland, built the Trent 900 engines; and Darchem Engineering, in Stillington, near Darlington, supplied components for the record-breaking plane.

Should the Airbus A380 go into passenger service in summer next year, as expected, all the firms will continue to benefit from an extended order-book.

After witnessing history being made, David Hunt, head of business at Aerospace, said: "It was absolutely amazing, tremendous.

"Quite a few of us watched it live on the Internet and there are a lot of proud people here."

Peter Cowe, chairman of Harkers, said: "There is quiet satisfaction that we have played our part in a major European development that, if successful, will provide ongoing orders to be fulfilled."

Airbus already has 154 firm orders from 15 airlines, including Virgin which wants to fit them with a gym, beauty parlour, large bars, a casino and even a few double beds.