The A380 stole the show again at FIDAE

When we discovered that due to the A350 XWB’s strict flight test program, we would be unable to bring it to FIDAE (Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio), like everyone else, I was very disappointed. I am proud to say we are on track for certification and EIS to Qatar later this year, but at the same time, to meet these deadlines, our A350s have to go through a busy and intensive test period.

So for the third time, Airbus brought its iconic A380 to FIDAE. Don’t get me wrong, it is certainly fitting to have the biggest aircraft in the world presented at the biggest air show of the Americas, but many wondered if the planet’s biggest commercial aircraft would generate the same level of attention it did just two years ago. Well I am happy to report that the aircraft was greeted with more interest and enthusiasm than ever before. The A380 is such a crowd pleaser. From the daily flight displays at FIDAE to the fly overs Santiago and Valparaiso, you could not escape media coverage of the A380’s every move.

And for the first time, Airbus kept the aircraft on display through the public days attracting thousands of people to come to FIDAE and get a glimpse of MSN001, the first test A380 aircraft that first flew in 2005. We estimate that nearly 7,000 people had a chance to walk through its cabin, appointed with the most sophisticated testing equipment used to continuously develop the A380 programme.

After participating at FIDAE for nearly 20 years, Airbus couldn’t have been prouder to show off what we believe is the best aircraft to absorb Latin America’s traffic growth in the most efficient way. Since first entering into service in 2007, more than 120 A380s have joined the fleets of 10 world class airlines. The aircraft is capable of flying 8,500 nautical miles or 15,700 kilometres non-stop, carrying more people at lower cost and with less impact on the environment than any competitor aircraft.

The total A380 fleet has accumulated over 1,3 million flight hours in close to 155,000 commercial flights. And to date, 55 million passengers have already enjoyed the unique experience of flying on board an A380. In fact, every five minutes, an A380 either takes off or lands at one of the over 30 airports it operates to around the world.

It is my hope to see the A380 flying in Latin America soon. Air France, Emirates and Lufthansa, have all expressed interest, so we hope it is just a matter of time before it becomes a reality.

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