Airbus’s A380 jet is the first fully double-decked aircraft
Heathrow prepares for superjumbo
A £100m redevelopment scheme has started at Heathrow airport to accommodate the new double-decker, 550-seater Airbus A380 superjumbo.
The project is due to be completed by the end of 2005, in time for the first A380 to start operating at Heathrow in spring 2006.
A pier at Terminal 3 will be demolished to make more space for the massive wingspan of the plane.
The new development will be 280m long and stand three storeys high.
It is designed to allow passengers to board and leave the jumbo from both levels of the aircraft, which will be fitted with shops, sleeping areas, creche and exercise room.
Mick Temple, managing director of airports operator BAA, said that preparations for A380 were going well and were right on schedule.
“The A380 will be an important aircraft for Heathrow… but we are also ensuring that our new facilities can accommodate all types of aircraft and meet the needs of all our airlines,” he said.
Four aircraft stands will be built along the new pier, which is designed to serve the future generation of aircraft, including the medium-sized Airbus A320.
Airlines planning to operate the A380 at Heathrow include Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Quantas, Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines.
By: steve rowell - 15th April 2004 at 01:49
Originally posted by steve rowell on 12th April 2004 20:58
By: A380!! - 14th April 2004 at 22:11
theres the visitor centre already, and a new terrce overlooking north runway,
besides, if i was of BAA i wouldnt spend 100mil on a viewing centre:rolleyes:
By: Airline owner - 14th April 2004 at 21:48
Also if British Airport Authorities (BAA) are forking out £100m for this airport development then why cant they spend a million or so on a decent bloody viewing area?????
By: Airline owner - 14th April 2004 at 21:47
the A345 apparently takes 3,300m to stop on a runway from landing and/so how far does the A380 take (if statistics have been released)
By: Jeanske_SN - 14th April 2004 at 20:58
Hey, this is the first time I tought at the idea that pax have to board at two levels! Well, they don’t have to, but I think boarding would take very long then?
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April 14, 2004 at 8:08 pm