Here you go..
Late April tipped for first Heathrow A380 arrival
David Kaminski-Morrow, London (23Feb06, 10:51 GMT, 261 words)London Heathrow Airport has indicated that the Airbus A380 could arrive for the first time at the UK hub at the end of April, but airport operator BAA is insisting that no date has been fixed.
The airport’s visitor centre says that it has been informed that the A380 will arrive on 29-30 April but is unable to give details on activity plans for the jet.
But BAA says that it has not finalised a date for the aircraft’s arrival and a spokeswoman for the operator even adds that the company “wouldn’t want” the aircraft on these dates because it coincides with a busy UK holiday period.
Airbus states that any date would be determined by the demands of the A380 flight-test programme.
“This would be subject to change,” says an Airbus spokesman. Given the need for flexibility in the flight tests, he says, the company would have “serious doubts” that a provisional schedule fixed two months in advance would remain unaffected.
Virgin Atlantic, the only UK customer for the A380, says that it is unaware of a date for the A380’s first arrival into Heathrow. The carrier has postponed development of an A380 hangar at the airport following the deferral of delivery dates for the type.
Modifications at London Heathrow to accommodate the A380 include the construction of a four-gate contact pier at Terminal 3. Terminal 4 will also have A380 stands and the new Terminal 5 will include A380 gates when it opens in 2008.
Airbus has already carried out airport compatibility trials for the A380 at Frankfurt Main.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
By: Gonzo - 24th February 2006 at 20:07
Both runways can handle the 380, but only some areas of taxiway between 27L/09R and the central area.
By: Michael_Mcr - 24th February 2006 at 12:35
It’s not the length or the strength that is the problem but the width
Thats also my understanding of the A380 problems that airports face.
Runway length required is stated by Airbus to be similar to a 747’s requirements.
The A380 is approx 30% heavier than the 747, but Airbus say the gound loading is actually less, because the weight is distributed thru more undercarriage wheels than the 747 (22 against 18).
There will be changes needed at airports for loading passengers, freight onto a double-decker, but the main problem appears to be the A380’s wingspan.
Although the cabin width is similar to a 747, the wingspan is 55foot (14m) wider – which means clearance safety problems on taxiways and also means its going to need re-thinking of the layout of parking gates at airports.
I guess that the main commercial problem for airports and airlines is whether it is a lot easier and cheaper to accomodate / operates more conventional aircraft or whether to outlay time and expenditure accomodating a progressive build-up of A380s (and subsequent “super-jumbos” from Boeing and others) over the next decade or 2.
Which i guess is exactly the same dilema they faced when the 747 first appeared.
By: steve rowell - 24th February 2006 at 05:30
Thats absolute nonsense, the runway length and bearing strengths were fine to start with, and I think apron shoulder work, where necessary, is complete. Additionally the gates at T3 are now ready to handle the type. I’m not sure where you got this statement from, but it ain’t true.
It’s not the length or the strength that is the problem but the width
By: rdc1000 - 23rd February 2006 at 15:17
Thats absolute nonsense, the runway length and bearing strengths were fine to start with, and I think apron shoulder work, where necessary, is complete. Additionally the gates at T3 are now ready to handle the type. I’m not sure where you got this statement from, but it ain’t true.
I will put my hands up and correct myself…
Both runways required some shoulder work. The works have been undertaken on the south runway, but not yet on the north, which BAA may not do until 2008. Apart from that LHR is now ready to handle the types, with the necessary works being completed in Dec ’05.
By: rdc1000 - 23rd February 2006 at 15:11
its gonna have fun landing mate i dont think heathrow can take one yet
Thats absolute nonsense, the runway length and bearing strengths were fine to start with, and I think apron shoulder work, where necessary, is complete. Additionally the gates at T3 are now ready to handle the type. I’m not sure where you got this statement from, but it ain’t true.
By: Manston Airport - 23rd February 2006 at 15:03
its gonna have fun landing mate i dont think heathrow can take one yet
If Manston can handle a A380 then im sure LHR can aswel.
James
By: LBARULES - 23rd February 2006 at 15:00
its gonna have fun landing mate i dont think heathrow can take one yet
Do some people have no sense? I’m sure LHR will accept an A380 if it can’t handle it…
By: lukeylad - 23rd February 2006 at 14:47
mate that sounds very interesting think i might pop down 2 just to see the beast
By: Manston Airport - 23rd February 2006 at 14:40
Hi all I have a mate who lives in the USA and he told me this about a week ago.
(Today I got a message from the Yahoo! LHR newsgroup (to which I belong), saying that the A380 is expected to come to LHR 29 & 30 April (Sat. & Sun.).
They said that the BAA and LHR Visitors Centre told them the A380 is coming that weekend, and that BAA “would be laying something on for the enthusiasts” at the Visitors Centre. I wonder what it will be?
If this is true, I definitely plan to be out at LHR (armed with my camera) to see the A380 in Virgin colours lets hope.
James
By: lukeylad - 23rd February 2006 at 14:39
its gonna have fun landing mate i dont think heathrow can take one yet
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February 23, 2006 at 2:29 pm