On this day in 2005 Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airliner, made its maiden flight from Toulouse, France.
On this day in 2005 Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airliner, made its maiden flight from Toulouse, France.
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The full-length double-deck aircraft has a typical seating for 525 passengers, with a maximum certified capacity for 853 passengers.
As of December 2022, there were 237 aircraft in service with 16 operators worldwide.
The global A380 fleet had completed more than 800,000 flights over 7.3 million block hours with no fatalities and no hull losses.
Flew to Singapore on one. Smooth and quiet. Wonderful.
At the time the concept made perfect sense, as it seemed certain that airports would reach their capacity limits. (e.g. Heathrow) Sadly the circumstances have changed and this concept isn’t really viable anymore. I am still glad they tried. And fortunately for Airbus, they are also the ones capitalizing on the changed circumstances now with the great success of the A321XLR.
Compare that to Boeing. Their last clean sheet design was the 787 that flew in 2009. And they publicly stated that [they wont develop a new airplane in this decade.](https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2022-11-03/boeing-ceo-no-clean-sheet-aircraft-decade)
King of the skies, forever.
Damn, I remember it like it was yesterday. How time flies…
The good old days of the EU, before the financial crisis, Brexit and Russian aggression.
To this date, it is still the most comfortable and relaxing flight experience you can have.
Great A/C with usable humidity, super low noise and vibration level and depending on Airline and seating A LOT OF space, even in economy class.
Flew them 2 times to Australia (22h+ flight) and it is soooo nice :_)