For most of my trips, and likely true for other travellers, the vacation starts the moment of arrival in destination. The purpose of a flight is to facilitate transportation to the destination; get me there fast and cheap. That was true for me until this past month when I embarked on my first Airbus a380 experience. After taking the advice of our very own Airfare Expert, Troy, I deviated from the regular direct flight I usually take to Australia on another carrier and opted for a seat on the superjumbo aircraft with Qantas. The experience was unforgettable and I realized my vacation can start at the boarding gate.
What made the a380 so different to other flights? Here are some of the things that ensured I will always consider the a380 for long-haul flights:
The sheer size of the plane was impressive, along with the almost silent engines and ultra-smooth take-off and landing - Air humidity was maintained at a level that didn’t leave me with desert mouth 3 hours into the flight or even at the end of the flight
- A total of 21-flight attendants worked across 5 galleys, ensuring the service level was of a high standard
- HUGE windows for those token plane wing pictures…oh, and viewing the world outside passing by
- Space, so much space! I recommend the window seat. I built a pillow bridge between my arm rest and window, and could almost completely lay horizontal
- The pilot informed us that plane is made of light-weight environmentally-friendly components and has the lowest emission than any other aircraft
Here are 10 fun facts about the Queen of the Skies (the A380):
1. The A380 is 24.1 meters high, 80 meters wide, and 72.7 meters long, equivalent to 2 blue whales length. The plane weighs approximately 590 tons.
2. The wings of the plane are 54% larger than the wings of a Boeing 747 aircraft.
3. The giant plane has enough space to carry approximately 3000 suitcases and 525 passengers.
4. The internal working temperature of the airplane’s four engines is 3100 degrees. And the engines are of the same lengths as of Mercedes C-series car.
5. The A380 holds 81900 gallons of fuel weighing 560 tons. It burns 17% less fuel than other large airplanes. It consumes 4 liter of fuel in 100km per passenger.
6. Only 20 runways in the world are now fully capable of handling A380 aircrafts. Others are not long or wide enough or not technically equipped for A380.
8. The giant plane flies at 43,000 feet, with maximum speed of 640 miles/hour.
9. 8000 bolts are used to attach the three main parts of the aircraft. In total an A380 comprises of 4 million individual components, produced by 1500 companies, in 30 different countries.
10. If all the wiring in the A380 is laid end to end, it will stretch from Edinburgh to London – 320 miles.
To book your next long-haul flight onboard the A380, contact a Flight Centre travel agent online in-store, or by calling 1-877-967-5302