The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, wide-body, four-engine jet airliner developed by Airbus. It is notable for being the world's largest passenger airliner, capable of carrying more passengers than any other commercial aircraft. Here are some key features and facts about the A380:
- Capacity: The A380 typically seats around 555 passengers in a three-class configuration, but it can accommodate up to 850 passengers in an all-economy class layout.
- Range: The aircraft has a maximum range of approximately 8,000 nautical miles (about 15,000 kilometers), making it suitable for long-haul flights.
- First Flight: The A380 made its first flight on April 27, 2005, and entered commercial service in October 2007 with Singapore Airlines.
- Design: The A380 features a distinctive two-deck design, with the upper deck extending along the entire length of the fuselage. This design allows for a spacious cabin and various seating configurations.
- Engines: The A380 is powered by four engines, either the Engine Alliance GP7200 or the Rolls-Royce Trent 900.
- Airlines: Several major airlines operate the A380, including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, and British Airways.
- Production: Airbus announced in 2019 that it would cease production of the A380 in 2021 due to changing market demands and a shift towards smaller, more fuel-efficient aircraft.
- Environmental Impact: The A380 is designed to be more fuel-efficient than earlier generation aircraft, but its large size means it is still subject to scrutiny regarding its environmental impact.
The A380 has become an iconic aircraft in the aviation industry, known for its spaciousness and comfort, particularly in premium cabins.