Airbus A380 completes first test flight

[tw]

Rather ironic that the 747 was launched just before the world hit a world wide oil shortage. Now we have the A380. Just when all oil producers are producing full out and may not meet future demands.

[russotto]

Given that the A380 is intended to be more fuel-efficient (per passenger mile) than the planes it replaces, it isn't ironic at all.

It's not really _that_ much more spacious than the 747. The 800-passenger configuration assumes single-class economy service, something not offered on the 747. The 747 carries 416 in three-class configuration, the A380 555, so it's about 20% bigger, not almost twice as big. The 747 also comes in 2-class, and carries 524 in that configuration. Shouldn't be any problem with airport facilities; I imagine that like the 747, it will take two jetways and a double-sized waiting area.

[xoxoxoBruce]

But they're unkept promises. Both weight and fuel efficiency missed their targets by close to 10% from what the European press has said.

[tw]

Originally Posted by russotto

Given that the A380 is intended to be more fuel-efficient (per passenger mile) than the planes it replaces, it isn't ironic at all.

The 747 was also designed to be significantly more efficient. That did not stop an unexpected energy crisis from almost driving Boeing under. Do to the increase price of oil, 747 sales were nearly impossible even though 747 were so much more fuel efficient.