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A380: A hit in Latin America, again
It had been four years since the biggest airplane in the world graced the skies of Latin America. But this past March Airbus would update the history books when it brought the aviation marvel back to a region.
Test aircraft MSN 004 was the star of the A380 Latin America Tour through Brazil, Chile and Argentina, and perhaps it never shinned brighter than it did at this year’s FIDAE Air Show. Airbus has been participating in FIDAE since 1992 and has brought the A380 twice, but it wasn’t until this year that the biggest bird of them all flew at region’s most significant air show. Held in Santiago de Chile, the bi-annual event attracts the industry’s most important players in aviation.
The numbers tell the story best. Following are our top 5 favorite headlines from the A380’s Latin America Tour and its triumphant return to FIDAE:
1. During its 5 days at FIDAE, the A380 was seen by more than 40,000 aviation professionals
2. While visiting Brazil, Argentina and Chile, more than 1,000 visitors received personal tours of the A380, including students from 3 universities and 1 children’s charity
3. More than 1,000 journalists from all over the world attended the FIDAE Air Show, and covered the 108 airplanes in static display
4. Of the 48 airplanes and 10 helicopters that flew at FIDAE, the A380 was the biggest (okay this one isn’t fair)
5. During the tour, Airbus Facebook and Twitter channels reached more than 230,000 followers, while 11 of the top 20 terms associated with Airbus on Twitter were about the A380
Bringing the A380 to the region has never been more relevant because it is not a question of when the A380 will begin to operate here, but rather what airline will be the first to fly it. With Latin American air traffic expected to triple in the next 20 years, Airbus estimates the region will require more than 40 very large aircraft, like the A380, between today and 2030.
More than 20 million passengers have enjoyed the A380 experience. More than 70 of the world’s largest, most comfortable and eco-efficient passenger aircraft have been delivered to seven customers. After 138 airport visits worldwide, the A380 has proven it can be operated in existing airport infrastructure with no or little modifications. And today, some 30 airports worldwide see A380 daily operations, and another 50 are preparing to accommodate it.
For more information contact:
Liana Sucar-Hamel
Communications Manager, Airbus Latin America & Caribbean
Liana.Sucar-Hamel@airbus.com