Airbus A380: The dream of flying takes a new dimension

With a 73 meter long fuselage and a wingspan of just under 80 meters, the A380 will be the world's largest commercial long-haul airliner.

The A380 will be the world's first modern jet with a full-length twin-deck. Airlines have an option of a number of different configurations, depending on market demand and conditions. The cargo holds below the main deck also extend over the full length of the fuselage.

Despite its size and weight the A380 does not put any extra strain on airport runways and aprons. Its landing gear is designed to spread the load over a large area. The new superjumbo will require a shorter takeoff distance than the B 747-400, while it will have about the same flight profile. The landing approach conforms to the common airport standard, which is predetermined by the instrument landing system's radio beam with a glide path of about three degrees.

Delivery of the first Airbus A380 to Singapore Airlines marks the beginning of a new era in civil aviation. With the Airbus A380, a new generation of widebody jets is being launched, which will carry significantly more passengers and freight over even longer distances.

Fraport AG, the owner and manager of Frankfurt Airport (FRA), considers the launch of the A380 necessary and trendsetting. The new aircraft type will feature many usefully innovations which will benefit not only passengers and airlines but also airports and the people living in the airport neighborhood. The Airbus A380 will be a true advancement, because it has larger passenger and cargo capacities, allows non-stop flights over longer distances and, in addition, will produce less noise than the Boeing 747, according to data published by Airbus. Thanks to its economic and environmental benefits, the A380 is the aircraft of the future.