Paris Air Show: A380 given a boost
At the Paris Air Show, Airbus has unveiled a development study for an enhanced A380, the A380plus, which includes aerodynamic improvements such as large winglets and other wing refinements that allow for up to 4% fuel burn savings.
Added to an optimised A380 maintenance programme and the enhanced cabin features first shown at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in April, the overall benefit is a 13% cost per seat reduction versus today’s A380.
The new winglets measure approximately 4.7 metres in height (an uplet of 3.5m and a downlet of 1,2m). It is designed to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag.
The optimised cabin layout based on the ‘cabin enablers’ presented at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), allows up to 80 additional seats with no compromise on comfort: redesigned stairs, a combined crew-rest compartment, sidewall stowage removal, a new nine-abreast seat configuration in premium economy and 11-abreast in economy.
The A380plus will have an increased maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 578 tonnes providing the flexibility of carrying up to 80 more passengers over today’s range (8,200nm), or flying 300nm further.
The A380plus features longer maintenance check intervals, a reduced six-year check downtime, and systems improvements, which will reduce maintenance costs and increase aircraft availability.
John Leahy, Airbus COO Customers, explained: “The A380plus is an efficient way to offer even better economics and improved operational performance at the same time.” John adds: “It is a new step for our iconic aircraft to best serve worldwide fast-growing traffic and the evolving needs of the A380 customers. The A380 is well-proven as the solution to increasing congestion at large airports and in offering a unique, passenger-preferred experience.”