Curious about the Airbus A380-800Discover everything you need to know about the world's largest passenger aircraft in the article below. Read on without delay!
Airbus A380-800 – a class of its own
People who have already flown on an Airbus A380-800 know what a class of aircraft it is. Compared to its direct competitor (Boeing 747), the A380 has 49% more floor space while its capacity is only 35% higher. The consequence: the seats and aisles are wider, meaning you as a traveller experience more comfort with an Airbus A380-800 than in comparable passenger aircraft in the same class. It is hardly surprising that well-known airlines such as Air France, British Airways and Emirates have added the aircraft to their fleets.
General facts about the Airbus A380
The European aerospace group Airbus began the development of a very large passenger aircraft in the early 1990s. It was not until 18 January 2005 that the double-deck wide-body aircraft was officially unveiled in the French city of Toulouse, where Airbus has its headquarters.
The first test flight with the Airbus A380-800 took place 3 months later on 27 April 2005. This also happened in Toulouse. The airworthiness certificate was issued on 12 December 2006, after which deliveries could begin.
However, Airbus delayed deliveries several times and it was ultimately Singapore Airlines that was allowed to receive the first Airbus A380-800. The aircraft was officially handed over to the airline on 15 October 2007 and made the first commercial flight on 25 October of that same year. The flight went from Singapore to Sydney and the plane tickets (which were for sale via eBay) sold like hot cakes.
Following Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas and Air France also received their ordered aircraft. In late 2009, Air France became the first European airline to put the A380 into service. Lufthansa was the second in 2010. As of 2016, almost half of all A380s ordered or delivered are for the airline Emirates.
To Dubai with goMICE and the Airbus A380-800
For our clients, we regularly organise trips to Dubai. With a business class ticket, you also have access to the bar on the upper deck of the aircraft. A wonderful experience!
Airbus A380 specifications
Length 72.72 m
Wingspan 79.75 m
Height (from the ground) 24.09 m
Main Deck Interior Width: 6.58 m
Upper deck: 5.92 m
Passenger seats 544 (4 classes) 853 (1 class)
Unladen weight 275 ton / 252 ton
wing area 845 m²
Max. start weight 575 tonne
Max. fuel 320,000 litres
4 Rolls-Royce Trent engines 900 of 4 Engine Alliance GP-7200
Max. thrust per motor 311 kN/340 kN
Cruising speed Mach 0,85
Maximum withers height 13.136 m
Max. range 15,200 km
Max. range with maximum payload: 10,400 km
First flight 27 April 2005
Number built 182 (deliveries up to and including 29 February 2016)
Unit price 300 million euro
Source: Wikipedia
Special flights with Airbus A380-800
Nowadays, the A380 flies all over the world. Also with goMICE do we use the Airbus A380-800 for our business trips, Group holidays, Inspirational journeys and Sports holidays. Depending on your wishes and preferences, it could well be that you fly on Airbus's A380 during your very next trip. We would be happy to discuss it with you in a private conversation!
Notable flights
- First test flight: 27 April 2005 in Toulouse
- First commercial flight: 25 October 2007 from Singapore to Sydney
- First transatlantic flight: 20 November 2009 from Paris to New York
- First landing at Brussels Airport: 8th June 2010
- First landing at Schiphol: 15 July 2010
Airbus A380-800 vs Boeing 747
Until the arrival of the Airbus A380, the Boeing 747 was undisputedly the largest passenger aircraft in the world. The Jumbo Jet had stood unrivalled since 1970, but the biggest competitor to the American Boeing ruined their plans with its new aircraft. In a number of areas, the A380 is a ‘better’ passenger aircraft than the Boeing 747.
Both aircraft are wide-body aeroplanes. Wide-body aeroplanes have two or more aisles in their standard passenger configuration. The A380 can carry a maximum of 853 passengers and the Boeing 747-400 up to 524 passengers. Despite the A380 having a higher capacity, you will not notice this as a traveller during your journey. The seats are wider, as are the aisles. The aircraft produces 50% less noise than the Boeing 747 and the air pressure inside the Airbus A380 is also higher than average. This is comparable to an altitude of 1,500 to 2,400 metres and it is expected that both aspects ensure passengers become less fatigued during the flight. Furthermore, the Airbus A380 also features larger windows. Ideal for travellers who love looking outside during their journey on the A380!
Airlines with A380s in their fleet
That the A380 is a great aircraft to fly on is evident from the airlines that have the Airbus A380 in their fleet. It is notable that not a single American airline flies the A380, but this naturally has everything to do with the fact that Boeing is an American company.
They fly with the A380
- Air Austral
- Air France
- Asiana Airlines
- British Airways
- China Southern Airlines
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Korean Air
- Lufthansa
- Malaysia Airlines
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Thai Airways International
- Virgin Atlantic
GoMICE also flies on the Airbus A380!
As a travel organisation, we are in the top 5 of business travel partners. It is therefore not surprising that we regularly deal with this immense passenger aircraft. It is close to our hearts to make things as pleasant as possible for our customers and to give them unforgettable experiences. Perhaps flying on an Airbus A380-800 is one of those unforgettable experiences. We would be happy to organise it for you! Contact us directly here.