A380: The flagship of the 21st century

European- based aircraft manufacturer Airbus is hopeful that the Philippines is among the destinations of its 55-seater A380 when it first flies here through Emirates Airlines by 2008.

But Airbus regional communications representative Anthony Philips said the country should invest in expanding its taxiway and docking or air bridges to accommodate the A380, bigger than rival Boeing 747.

"In designing the aircraft, we had 60 airports in mind, including the Philippines. Certain airports are ready. The Philippines as far as we know is preparing to make sure it is geared to operate that aircraft in which the only modification is that the airport need more concrete. But it can take off and land anywhere where the 747 can," Philips said.

He is also optimistic that Airbus will clinch the million dollar three-year refleeting program of the country’s two largest carriers that would start this year.

"We made a very competitive offer in terms of cost, reliability and passenger appeal," Philips added.

However, he refused to comment on the reported plan of the Toulouse-based company to put up a maintenance and repair facility in Clark International Airport worth at least $250 million.

The A380 is the most advanced, spacious and efficient airliner ever conceived. Launched in December 2000, the A380 will enter airline service in 2006 with Singapore Airlines as the first client.

Philips said that the A380 embodies the very latest technologies for materials, systems and industrial processes. Offering about a third more seating and far more available floor space than its closest competitor, the A380 will deliver an unparallel level of comfort, with wider seats and aisles, open spaces for passengers to stretch their legs and access to lower deck amenities.

With its new generation engines and advanced wing and under carriage design and technology, the A380 will not only comply with current noise limits but will be quiter than today’s largest airliners and meeting strict local regulations.

The aircraft will only generate half the noise level at take-off and carry 35 percent more passengers than its competitor over distances such as London-Singapore.

The economic fuel consumption of the A380 – around 13 percent lower fuel burn than its closest competitor – will also help produce the impact of exhaust gases on the atmosphere. Indeed the A380 will be the first long-haul aircraft to consume less than three liters of fuel per passenger over 100 kilometers (95 miles per imperial gallon) – a fuel burn comparable with the best of small modern turbodiesel cars.

Designed in collaboration with some 60 major airports to ensure airport compatibility and a smooth entry into service, the A380 provides the smartest and most economical solution to growing air traffic and airport congestion, Philips said.

The only alternative, an increase in frequencies of existing aircraft, would not only require billions of dollars of investment by airports (in new runways, terminals and even airports) but would also contribute to greater congestion and a significantly increased impact on the environment.

To date, 11 customers have announced firm orders for a total of 129 A380s, including 178 freighter versions. The A380 Family starts from a baseline passenger aircraft with a capacity of 555 passengers.

Philips said that the time has sold almost 5,000 aircraft, has some 250 customers/operators and has delivered more than 3,500 aircraft since it first entered the market in 1974.

Airbus modern and comprehensive product line comprises four highly successful families of aircraft ranging from 107 to 555 seats; the single-aisle A320 Family (A318/A319/A320/A320), the wide-body A300/A310 Family, the long-range A330/A340 Family and the all-new A380 Family.

Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus, is jointly owned by EADS (80%) and BAE Systems (20%).