Fifty A380s flying. I wonder whether we will hear more about the A380-900 now that they seem to have a handle on the production side of things.
Airbus A380 At 50
Posted by Robert Wall
Airbus today has delivered the 50th A380.
The milestone aircraft went to Singapore Airlines, which was also the airline to receive the first A380 back in October 2007.
It is the 12th aircraft delivered to Singapore, with seven more to come. Several of those should follow quickly, as they are awaiting delivery at Airbus. Deliveries of A380s to SIA had been delayed because of problems with Koito seats; the aircraft just handed over was initially due for delivery last year.
The reason for the delay is that the Japanese seat maker had its production organization approval suspended for two years because it falsified seat test data. That meant Airbus could not hand over aircraft for several months until regulators determined what to do. A path to address the issues is now in place, clearing the way for the aircraft to finally go to the airline.
By: Oliver Gigacz - 22nd May 2014 at 15:20
The ninth A380 for British Airways (MSN173) has arrived in Toulouse for final assembly…
http://globalaviationexpress.blogspot.com/2014/05/ninth-a380-for-british-airways-arrives.html
By: pierrepjc - 28th October 2012 at 19:06
40 years ago today the A300 flew for the first time…….. the FIRST of MANY.
By: Arabella-Cox - 28th October 2012 at 13:51
Sadly until the general public start booking with more expensive airlines, then it will continue to be a race to the bottom (hence 10 abreast 777 seating).
I agree on the seats going back during meals is a pain, no one seems to care.
It may surprise many people on here that the fasten seatbelt sign does not mean get up and go to the toilet, sort your bags out in the overhead bins and stretch your legs.
By: Arabella-Cox - 1st October 2012 at 06:54
That’s great news. I’ve always been of the mind that the A380 is going to be successful over the longer term. Very simply, with the ever-growing number of people travelling, an aircraft that can carry more is always going to be needed.
But, I have a message for Emirates to action when it takes delivery of its new A380’s, if anyone from that airline is listening:
1. Give economy passengers more room. Not everyone can afford premium cabins, and we, the economy-class flying public, underpin your profits.
2. Sort out your cabin service. I do not appreciate being left with a spent meal tray for 45 minutes after I have finished eating.
3. Invest in some better training for your economy-class cabin staff. Some were ok, but most were rather brusque.
4. There is a rule that says that seatbacks must be upright during meal times – please enforce it.
5. Introduce proper shower facilities (with soap and towels) at transit airports for economy-class passengers. I am very clean and do not like going without a shower for two days as I travel from the UK to Australia/NZ.
6. The behaviour of some of your passengers flying from Dubai was rather poor. If passengers are going to show a complete lack of consideration for others with their stupid reclining seats – can they pleased be asked to sort themselves out? When I reclined mine, I checked with the people behind to ensure that they were still comfortable.
Back to the 40 A380’s – Oliver, I trust you’ll keep us all informed?:)
By: pierrepjc - 30th September 2012 at 14:21
Read this last week.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/09/28/france-benelux-stocks-idUKL5E8KRG0A20120928
Who said there’s no demand for the Big Bird then?
Paul
By: Oliver Gigacz - 22nd September 2012 at 15:09
Thai Airway’s first A380 (MSN087) has been applied with its final registration HS-TUA.
By: Arabella-Cox - 21st September 2012 at 13:15
Yesterday, New Zealand’s de Havilland Mosquito completed final assembly and was moved to the flightline.
Good luck, everyone. It’s getting close now.:D
By: Oliver Gigacz - 21st September 2012 at 08:10
Yesterday, Malaysia Airline’s sixth A380 (MSN114) completed final assembly and was moved to the flightline.
By: Oliver Gigacz - 20th September 2012 at 13:43
Yesterday, China Southern’s fifth and final A380 (MSN120) began engine and taxi testing.
By: ThreeSpool - 19th September 2012 at 14:17
As in, DH Mosquito?
By: Amiga500 - 19th September 2012 at 10:26
that and the Mosquito’s first flight down in New Zealand.
As in, DH Mosquito?
By: Oliver Gigacz - 19th September 2012 at 08:01
Emirates’ thirty-fourth A380 (MSN119) has been confirmed as the new frame being carried on Convoy #20/2012.
By: Arabella-Cox - 19th September 2012 at 06:14
Earlier this week, Kawasaki Heavy Industries attached the forward door frames to the first Boeing 787-9.
(I think that’s right).:)
By: Oliver Gigacz - 18th September 2012 at 09:07
Late last week, Thai Airways’ fourth A380 (MSN122) completed final assembly, and was moved to the flightline
By: Arabella-Cox - 18th September 2012 at 07:14
I’m looking forward to both of these events too; particularly the latter, which I think is in a week or so at Ardmore in South Auckland.
By: ThreeSpool - 17th September 2012 at 19:15
It is where the air conditioning packs live on the A380. The main spar is just aft of the opening. Incredible to have so much space, but she is frickin’ huge.
I can’t wait to see the A380 fully painted in the BA colours, that and the Mosquito’s first flight down in New Zealand.
By: Matt-100 - 17th September 2012 at 16:24
Late last week, British Airways’ first A380 (MSN095) was briefly visible on the Toulouse flightline, while she was moved into the final assembly hangars.
Wow that’s awesome! 😀
Very interesting to see the underside of the wing opened up… I assume that’s for when Airbus have come up with a stronger wing-root?
By: Oliver Gigacz - 17th September 2012 at 07:54
Late last week, British Airways’ first A380 (MSN095) was briefly visible on the Toulouse flightline, while she was moved into the final assembly hangars.
By: Arabella-Cox - 17th September 2012 at 07:02
What about the A350, Oliver?
By: Oliver Gigacz - 16th September 2012 at 06:55
Late last week, Thai Airway’s first A380 (MSN087) was ferried to Toulouse, in preparation for delivery.
Sign In
June 16, 2011 at 3:55 pm