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There are plenty of casinos to be found on the ground at some of the world's leading tourist destinations, but travellers could soon be able to enjoy a spot of recreational gambling in the air as well.

Plane manufacturer Airbus revealed that it held talks with a number of customers about adapting the A380 superjumbo into a flying casino.

David Velupillai, marketing director for Airbus' executive and private aviation division, told AFP that a number of clients showed an interest in installing casinos onboard their planes.

'Of course the biggest attraction of the A380 is that it's got 50% more floor space than the [Boeing] 747,' he added.

'If you have to do something like that, you have got the floor space that will allow you to do this.'

Mr Velupillai said a fully-fitted casino on board the A380 could be a reality as soon as 2012.

The Airbus A380 is currently being used only by Singapore Airlines. Singapore is set to open its first casino in 2009.

A recent gambling boom in Asia has seen gaming revenues from the Chinese territory of Macau overtake the famous Las Vegas Strip.

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