The Airbus A380 is the largest jet airliner ever built and is the world's first full double-deck passenger aircraft. First flight took place from Toulouse, France on 27 April 2005 and led to a flight test programme involving five Airbus A380s. The Airbus A380 is truly a giant. It has a wingspan of 261.8 feet (79.8 meters), a length of 239.5 feet (73 meters) and a maximum take-off weight of more than 1.2 million pounds (540,000 kg). The A380 features an advanced version of the Airbus common two crew cockpit, with pull-out keyboards for the pilots, extensive use of composite materials such as GLARE (an aluminium/glass fibre composite), and four 302 to 374kN (68,000 to 84,000lb) class Rolls-Royce Trent 900 or Engine Alliance (General Electric/Pratt & Whitney) GP7200 turbofans now under development. Photo courtesy of Airbus

Blagnac, France - February 18, 2011

Skymark Airlines, Japan’s third largest and fast growing airline, signed a contract for four A380s with Airbus, firming up a Memorandum of Understanding announced in November 2010.

The Airbus A380 is truly a giant. Photo courtesy of Airbus

The contract was signed on Thursday, 17th February, during a ceremony held at Airbus' headquarters in Toulouse, France, in the presence of Skymark Airlines President, Shinichi Nishikubo, Airbus President and CEO, Tom Enders, and Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers, John Leahy, together with Airbus Japan CEO, Stephane Ginoux.

First customer of the Airbus A380 is Singapore Airlines. Photo courtesy of Airbus

At the signing ceremony Shinichi Nishikubo said,
“We believe that the A380, the world’s most cost-efficient, modern and environmentally friendly aircraft with cutting-edge technologies, will provide us with a strong competitive advantage and safe operation. We will become the very first Japanese airline to offer our passengers a unique and new experience of flying – more space, more comfort and a quieter cabin. With the four-engined A380, we are free from ETOPS constraints and can provide flexible operations.”

Airbus A380 in Emirates colours. Photo courtesy of Airbus

“We are pleased to welcome Skymark as our newest and first Japanese A380 customer,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.
“The A380 is the most eco-efficient solution to allow Japan's air traffic to grow in a capacity constrained environment.”

Thomas Enders, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer. Photo courtesy of Airbus

The A380 is the most advanced, spacious and eco-efficient airliner in service today.

The Airbus A380 is the largest jet airliner ever built and is the world's first full double-deck passenger aircraft. First flight took place from Toulouse, France on 27 April 2005 and led to a flight test programme involving five Airbus A380s. The Airbus A380 is truly a giant. It has a wingspan of 261.8 feet (79.8 meters), a length of 239.5 feet (73 meters) and a maximum take-off weight of more than 1.2 million pounds (540,000 kg). The A380 features an advanced version of the Airbus common two crew cockpit, with pull-out keyboards for the pilots, extensive use of composite materials such as GLARE (an aluminium/glass fibre composite), and four 302 to 374kN (68,000 to 84,000lb) class Rolls-Royce Trent 900 or Engine Alliance (General Electric/Pratt & Whitney) GP7200 turbofans now under development. Photo courtesy of Airbus

Over ten million passengers have already enjoyed the unique experience of flying on board the all-new aircraft.

The Airbus A380 Cockpit. Photo courtesy of Airbus

The in-service fleet has accumulated by now almost 250,000 revenue flight hours in nearly 28,000 commercial flights.

The Airbus A380 suite. Photo courtesy of Airbus

20 major airports are currently served by the flagship of the 21st century.

The Airbus A380 VIP project. Photo courtesy of Airbus

Today, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air France operate the aircraft on daily services to Narita Airport.

Starting from March 27, 2011, Singapore Airlines will extend its A380 operation from Narita to Los Angeles, while Korean Air’s first A380 service to Narita is scheduled on June 1 this year.

The Airbus A380 Photo courtesy of Airbus

Following today's announcement, total firm orders for the A380 stand at 244 from 19 customers worldwide and 43 aircraft have been delivered to five customers.


Contacts for the media:


Takahiro Nosaka
Head of Communications
Airbus Japan
Tel.: +81 3.55 73 84 00
Fax: +81 3.55 73 84 01

Stephanie Henrion
Tel.: + 33 5 61 18 58 27


SOURCE: EADS

http://www.eads.com/eads/int/en/news/press.a5222db7-3e7d-41b9-8e4e-5e57214c62c9.70472f39-dd6f-4428-a792-91d82cb9791b.html  


Video
Inside The Airbus A380

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2Dka1B1KVk&feature  


Video
Singapore Airlines A380 Interior Cabin Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIOsNVkGRN4&NR=1&feature=fvwp  


Video
Singapore Airlines A380 First Class Suites

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3BvkDvaYEk&feature=related  


Video
Emirates A380 Showers, Suites, Cabin Interior

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yWpw3zY9cE&feature=related  


Video
Emirates A380 First Class Suite

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEA3pwal3No&feature=related  


Video
Airbus A380 First Class Suites & Spa - Emirates

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiTG_k6rjFc&feature=related  



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ASTROMAN Magazine – 23.01.2010

Airbus achieves record aircraft deliveries in 2009

http://www.astroman.com.pl/index.php?mod=magazine&a=read&id=648