A380 Family

Airbus’ 21st century flagship has made its name as the world's largest, greenest passenger aircraft, and has captured the imagination of air passengers everywhere.

The big news for operators is that the A380 is earning hard dollars at the same time. Introducing this next-generation jetliner is saving customers millions in operating costs annually while creating thousands of extra seats on long-haul routes. With the lowest cost per seat and the lowest emissions per passenger of any large aircraft, the A380 provides a competitive edge.

The A380 is generating excitement as well as profits. With the best cabin in the sky offering unparalleled comfort for all, the A380 has become a must-have ticket on every route it flies – resulting in higher load factors, a higher market share, and higher profit margins for operators.

A new role for the A380 is as a high-density airliner for certain applications, including the opening of low-cost travel to more markets. Air Austral is the first customer acquiring Airbus’ 21st century flagship in a single-class configuration – to be operated between La Reunion in the Indian Ocean and Paris, France with an 840-passenger capacity, offering the largest and most comfortable economy-class seat in this market.

Airbus’ A380 is one long-term investment that everyone can get excited about. More than five million passengers have already relaxed in the comfort of its double-deck, wide-bodied cabin, which offers 50 per cent more floor space than any other high-capacity aircraft.

Taking a clean-sheet design for airlines’ operational needs of tomorrow, Airbus developed the A380 as the most spacious and efficient airliner ever conceived. As of May 2010, 17 major international airports are already regular destinations for this 525-seat aircraft, which delivers an unparalleled level of comfort while retaining all the benefits of commonality with Airbus’ other fly-by-wire aircraft Families.

Airbus has gone to great lengths to make long-haul flying aboard the A380 feel more natural, with broader seats, more personal storage, better head room and wider stairs. The cabin air is recycled every three minutes to keep the atmosphere fresh. Natural light is provided by 220 cabin windows. Four high-level air outlets instead of the traditional two helps passengers to feel fresher, both during and after the flight.

The wide open spaces outside the A380 benefit from its design, too. By producing only about 75g of CO2 per passenger kilometre – well below current international limits – the A380 is helping the aviation industry's commitment to minimise greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the stringent ISO 14001 corporate certification awarded to Airbus recognises the company’s use of a robust Environmental Management System to minimise the environmental impact of the A380 throughout its life cycle.

Airbus’ A380 offers a flying experience no other aircraft in the sky can match. And it’s making more than just headlines – the A380 also has proven its revenue-generating success, and promises even greater potential with both current and future operators.