>> 21st Century Behemoth of the Airways: Singapore Airlines first to fly new giant airliner


AIRBUS A380, the new mega-jumbo of the skies, is the latest milestone in aviation history. It is set to create a number of firsts in air travel and aerospace technology.

Several airlines and air-freight carriers ordered a total of 149 A380s. Notable customers include Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Qantas Airways, Emirates Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways.

A380 flies faster, quieter, more efficiently over a longer range non-stop and carries higher payloads than its closest rival, the Boeing 747.

Airbus uses cutting edge technology in structures, materials, aerodynamics, powerplant and systems to build the A380. Hence, in terms of fuel efficiency, range, payload and operating costs, it pips the B747-400, hands down. A380 carries 35% more passengers but burns 12% less Avtur fuel. The results are lower operating costs and less emissions affecting the environment. In fact, A380 costs 15% less to operate per seat.

Holland's Stork Aerospace developed a glass-fibre aluminium named Glare for constructing the upper fuselage. This new high-strength material, although light in weight, has fatigue-resistant properties.

Despite the severe rivalry between Boeing and Airbus, American firms -notably Goodrich and Engine Alliance (a co-venture between General Electric and Pratt & Whitney) - stand tall among major A380 sub-contractors. Goodrich supplies the main undercarriage units, exterior lights and evacuation system. Propulsion contractors Rolls Royce and Engine Alliance produces RR Trent900 and GP7200 respectively.

Stringent tests on the taxiing and landing system ensure the A380 lands as softly as a feather, even with a full payload. In a unique design for a heavy-lift aircraft, the 22 wheels are arranged in four bogies: two 4-wheel and two 6-wheel units, for both port and starboard main undercarriages. The last two wheels form the nose undercarriage.

Upgrades at major airports around the world, including Singapore Changi Airport, ar underway to serve the new giant airliner. Will flying super- and mega-jumbos rule the airways in the decades ahead? Only time can tell. But one aspect is certain. The A380 - at a whooping price of $280m each - will bring air travel to greater heights in terms of safety, comfort and convenience.

Singapore Airlines is the launch customer with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery and passenger service in 2006. According to informed sources, delay in initial and subsequent deliveries are expected, due to production glitches at the manufacturer and suppliers.

The A380 proved Man's genius that in one century, the aircraft evolved from the Wright brothers' flimsy "Kitty Hawk" to the Airbus mega-jumbo. The A380 bench-marks air travel and aircraft technology in the years ahead.

As one industry expert puts it, "It is the future of the aeroplane."