IT WAS A BUSINESS TRAVELER’S DREAM:
A police escort to and from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). I lived that dream one day a few weeks ago when two LAPD motorcycles accompanied a media group to the landing site of the A380 where, surrounded by intense security, we awaited the landing of the behemoth aircraft.

A ragtime band added a celebratory note to the event, which was attended by a host of dignitaries and special guests including Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; Allan McArtor, chairman, Airbus North America; and Wally Mariani, senior executive vice president for the Americas and Pacific, Qantas Airways.

At 9:20 a.m., the A380, decked out in Airbus’ logo and colors, landed and taxied toward the group waiting at the airport’s Flight Path Learning Center. The two-level aircraft can accommodate more people than any plane in history. At press time, Airbus had 146 firm orders for the passenger version of the A380 from 13 different customers. That number would have been higher were it not for a delay related to design problems linking wiring for sections of the fuselage. Those problems, though, will be history when Qantas takes possession of its first A380 in 2008.

Like the Pyramids of Giza, the A380 does not disappoint. Compared to the Boeing 747-400, it seats 35 percent more passengers; has 50 percent greater floorarea; can fly further and burn less fuel per passenger mile. Its main deck is 163 feet long and the upper deck is 157 feet long — both measurements are longer than the distance the Wright Brothers flew on their first flight at Kitty Hawk more than 100 years ago. Fuel capacity is a whopping 81,890 gallons. Imagine what it costs to fill that tank!

FLIGHT CREW:
Qantas Airways senior executive vice president for the Americas and Pacific, Wally R. Mariani, left, with Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in the A380 cockpit

Airbus

Do the math: To make money, the airlines that fly the A380 will need a strong business- and first-class passenger base. There’s no doubt that Qantas and the other carriers plan some surprises for us in heir A380 premium-class cabins, but specifics remain under wraps for now. In the meantime, word on the street is various carriers are considering outfitting their A380s with over-the-top amenities that include lounges, showers and top-notch seating and bedding.

“This plane is the future of Los Angeles,” Villaraigosa told the crowd gathered at the A380 landing.

“It is better for the environment, passengers, economy and for the surrounding neighborhood,” he added, citing the fact that larger planes carrying more passengers results in fewer take-offs and landings, which will ease air and noise pollution.

In fact, the design of the A380 takes into account growing air traffic between LAX and the Pacific Rim with connections to the Middle East and India.

“The A380 is perfectly designed for LAX,” said Airbus’ McArtor, whonoted that nearly half of the aircraft’s instrumentation, parts and materials are made in the United States.

Clearly, the A380 is a boost to the Los Angeles area economy with nearly 200 companies in southern California contributing to its construction.

“This is a historic day for LAX, the city, Airbus and Qantas,” said Mariani who was instrumental in orchestrating the A380’s first flight to LAX. Mariani pointed to Qantas’ tradition of innovation. The airline was the first overseas carrier to purchase the Boeing 707 (1956); the first to offer around-theworld fares (1979); and the first to fly the extended-range Boeing 747. Qantas will further its reputation as an aviation pioneer in 2008 when becomes the first airline to fly the A380 to LAX. Traffic is expected to be brisk when Qantas debuts its A380 service. Frequent travelers can attest to the fact that the airline’s flights are often fully booked and additional seats are needed on its Los Angeles (LAX)-Melbourne (MLB) and Singapore (SIN)-London (L HR) routes.

Following the official welcome, guests were invited to tour the aircraft. Because this was a proving flight, the interior of the plane was not complete; just a few seats were in place.

The A380 may not have the same impact as the introduction of the B747 36 years ago — not enough planes have been sold to create that kind of comprehensivecomprehensive change in the aviation industry. Still, while the B747 brought down the cost of flying and ultimately introduced international travel to the masses, the A380 will have a positive impact at congested airports — although many of us wonder what it will be like when it comes time to load 550-plus passengers.

Ultimately it will be the passengers who decide to fly the A380. Qantas’ first flight from LAX will likely be laden with business travelers and air travel enthusiasts. This plane will create its own buzz.

A-Plus Orders
At press time, the following carriers have ordered the Airbus A380 passenger version:

Air France 10
China Southern Airlines 5
Emirates 43
Etihad Airways 4
Kingfisher Airlines 5
Korean Air 5
Lufthansa 15
Malaysia Airlines 6
Qantas Airways 20
Qatar Airways 2
Singapore Airlines 19
Thai Airways 6
Virgin Atlantic 6