A380 lands at FIDAE

Airbus has been participating in FIDAE since 1992. The region’s biggest air show held in Santiago de Chile every other year attracts the industry’s most important innovations, and Airbus is no exception.

For the first time, the A380 flew at FIDAE as part of its second appearance at the show. Chilean hospitality, coupled with the professionalism of the Chilean Air Force and FIDAE Show organizers, have always provided the perfect setting for Airbus to launch all of its aircraft in Latin America. Some of our most recent milestones at the show include flying 20 tons of humanitarian supplies aboard a A330-200F in 2010 to aid earthquake victims and the A380 making its Latin America debut in 2008.

The participation of test aircraft MSN 004 at FIDAE is part of the A380’s 2012 Latin America tour, which also included stops in Brazil and Argentina, before returning to Toulouse on the 31st of March. 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.

The A380’s numbers are really something. 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.

It was great seeing so many familiar faces at FIDAE this year and I especially hope they enjoyed being aboard the A380!

With more than 30 years in the aviation industry, Rafael Alonso is the Executive Vice President of Airbus Customer Affairs for the Latin America and the Caribbean region, responsible for all Airbus commercial activities and customer relations in more than 40 countries.