Over 30 years, many things have changed. Materials, technology and design and manufacturing techniques have all advanced. The A380 benefits from all of these, but more importantly the priorities have changed. A new flagship must now contribute to the overall transport system without having to revolutionise it. A new large aircraft must now be a better fitting piece to the puzzle making the whole system more effective and efficient. This is the key to the A380’s contribution – the 21st century flagship.
The A380 brings new standards of comfort, better economics, in an aircraft that is more environmentally responsible. Whilst doing all of this it allows growth and reduced congestion from today’s airports with minimum of change. Most importantly, the A380 introduces competition to the large aircraft sector, completing Airbus product portfolio.
Formal production go-ahead for the A380 was given by the Airbus shareholders in December 2000. The aircraft will make its first flight in 2004, followed by the entry into commercial service in 2006.
Airbus will introduce a family of A380 aircraft, each with twin aisles and 2 levels, providing more room than any previous aircraft. Passengership-style stairs lead between the levels. The cargo compartments can be used for shops, exercise areas and sleeping rooms.
The baseline A380-100, with a capacity of 555 passengers in three classes, will have a range of up to 14,200km (7,650nm). The stretched A380–200 will be capable of transporting 656 passengers, also up to 14,200km (7,650nm). The A380–100R variant will retain the same 555 seat capacity, but with a range of 16,200km (8,750nm). Also under consideration is a smaller version, the A380-50R, to carry 481 passengers up to the same 16,200km (8,750nm) range as the 100R.
The freighter market, currently growing at twice the rate of the passenger market, will see the introduction of the Airbus A380-100F with a payload of 150 tonnes (330,000lbs) and a range of 10,630km (5,725nm). Further developments include Combi versions with either seven main deck pallets providing 473 seats and 37.9 tonnes (83,380lbs) of cargo with a range of 13,500km (7,270nm) or an 11-pallet layout, 421 seats, 51.3 tonnes (112,860lbs) of cargo and a range of 12,940km (6,970nm).
The Airbus A380 double-deck passenger jet
At the request of airlines and airport authorities, the A380 fits within an 80 x 80m (262 x 262 ft) horizontal box, to make best use of current runways, taxiways and gates. The A380 will use the same runway length as the Boeing 747, even though its fuselage is 25cm (10 in) wider. Airbus also developed a new light material called Glare, made of fibreglass and aluminium alloy, which would shave several tonnes off the weight.
Airbus aims to make the A380 the most pleasurable flying experience possible, regardless of a traveller's size or class of ticket. First flights are scheduled for 2004. |
