Airbus A380: The dream of flying takes a new dimension

With 73 meters length and 80 meters wing span, the Airbus A380 is the biggest civilian aircraft in the world and the first modern jet with two decks from front to back. 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 A380 requires less runway length for takeoff and landing than a B 747-400, whilst the flight profile ist mainly the same. 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.

A new epoch of civilian aviation started with the first delivery of the A380 to Singapore Airlines. 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.