The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, four-engined airliner manufactured byEADS (Airbus S.A.S.).
It is the largest passenger airliner in the world. It first flew on 27 April 2005 from Toulouse, France.
After lengthy delays, commercial flights are scheduled to begin in late 2007. During much of its
development phase, the aircraft was known as the Airbus A3XX. The nickname SUPERJUMBO
has become associated with the A380. The A380's upper deck extends along the entire length of
the fuselage. This allows for a cabin with 50% more floor space than the next largest airliner, the
Boeing 747-400, and provides seating for 525 people in standard three-class configuration or up
to 853 people in full economy class configuration.
Initial publicity stressed the comfort and space of the A380's cabin, which offers room for such
installations as relaxation areas, bars, duty-free shops, and beauty salons. One A380 customer
likely to use innovative amenities is Virgin Atlantic Airways, which has a bar in Business Class on
its aircraft, and has announced plans to include casinos, double beds, a gymnasium and showers
on its A380s.