My parents were convinced that I'd only make it to 4'11", I grew up in D.C. where no building is taller than the U.S. Capitol, and even though I drove an SUV in college, I've always preferred quick, compact cars (currently a Mini). So my mantra is generally: Good things come in small packages.
But I've been curious about the Airbus A380 superjumbo--the world's largest airliner that has about 35% more capacity than its Boeing rival.
Comfort-wise the A380's double-decker layout allows the cabins to be bigger, which translates to wider seats and aisles and even some extra common space! I thought this would be a gas guzzler, but actually it burns 12% less fuel per seat than a plane with 30% less capacity. After watching An Inconvenient Truth, that's something close to my heart.
I just read in a New York Times article that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) declared the A380 safe to fly. Wish I could get a seat, but I know that even though it's a gigantic 555-seater and not taking off until October, my odds of getting on that Singapore Airlines flight are slim to none.
The Airbus A380 surpasses Boeing's Jumbo 747 for the size record, which Boeing held for more than 35 years. I just read about this lady who bought one and is turning it into her home! I guess it's not that surprising when you think that a jumbo 747 can carry anywhere from 416 to 524 passengers! Maybe they'll convert old A380s into office buildings one day.
What do you think about these mega-sized airplanes?
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December 14, 2006