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Print ArticleThe Airbus A380 is likely to have a major impact on aviation when it takes to the skies in late 2006 even though airlines, airports and manufacturers are working hard to ensure it affects them as little as possible
September 2004
The problem of airport congestion coupled with growing air traffic led Airbus to design the A380, a giant double-decker aircraft capable of transporting up to 600 passengers over 15,000km.
The A380 was launched by Airbus in December 2000 as an alternative solution
to air traffic and airport congestion. Scheduled for release in 2006, the A380
will be able to hold 555 passengers, giving them wider seats and aisles as well
as more leg room while saving the airline 15 to 20 percent on seat/mile costs.
In its freight version, the A380 will hold 150 tons. It will adhere to strict
noise regulations such as the QC2 for London airports and be more environmentally
friendly. 
In the sky, the A380 will benefit from the latest technologies and concepts. Airline clients including Emirates, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines will revel in lower seat-mile costs, the environment will be soothed by reduced noise and emission levels compared to the largest aircraft flying today and passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy new levels of comfort and space.
On the ground, however, the behemoth may be a little less graceful. Both the passenger and cargo versions will require at least one specialized piece of ground support equipment and airports will have to adapt airfield and terminal operations to cater to the size of the aircraft and sheer number of passengers.
However, Airbus promotes the A380 as the minimum change answer to air traffic growth. Thomas Burger, senior marketing analyst, Airbus A380 Program, believes the manufacturer has done everything possible to reduce the number of alterations required to handle the aircraft.
"We've been working with bodies such as ICAO and ACI (Airports Council International) since 1994 on airport and ground support compatibility," he says. "We agreed the aircraft needed to fit in the crucial 80m x 80m box, which is ICAO Code F, so it wouldn't disrupt normal operations to any great degree."
Many features of the A380 are comparable to today's large widebody aircraft, most notably the Boeing 747. From the main deck down the aircraft is just a normal widebody. The main and upper deck door sill heights are the same, as are the ground connection points such as power, refuelling and water. Even the landing gear is comparable. "And it's important to note most of the servicing is done from the main deck down," remarks Burger.
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