Airbus A 380

[iL Dottore]

Just back from a long holiday in Australia ( and my thanks to all the Aussie RMWebbers who provided me with tips and hints for my stay) and on the way out I flew, for the first time ever, the new Airbus A380. Although the A380 is scheduled to start flying out of ZRH at the end of March (as advertised by this model display in Zurich Airport), I flew her on the Singapore - Melbourne leg

Boy, is it a big beast, as can be seen in the gate photo

.

Thanks to having accumulated (and carefully saved) about 10 years of Lufthansa/Swissair/Swiss frequent flyer mileage (and having flown MORE than my fair share of US carrier economy flights ) we managed to wangle two business class tickets on Singapore Airlines [partner airline], which landed us in the front section of the A380 upper deck - which was fairly empty. Business is configured in a 1-2-1 configuration.

What really impressed me was the sheer size of the loo - about double the size of a 747-400 Loo!

I chatted up the chief stewardess which got me a guided tour of the First Class Suites (alas, I could only take this photo as she didn't want the First Class passengers disturbed!)

The First Class suites are "mini-cabins" with a fold-out 6ft+ bed, all sorts of features (including complete privacy thanks to the individual compartment design), very large video screen with the standard SIA VOD and, presumably, premium Champagne, Caviar and all sorts of nice amenities on tap. However, as nice as the First Class cabins are, a return trip for one person Zurich-Sydney in First Class costs CHF 22,000 (business is "only" CHF 7,100 return whilst economy is CHF 2,480). Is First Class worth 3 X Business or 9 X Economy? Obviously SIA and Emirates think so, as they are investing in the First Class cabin concept (unlike Air France which has a "traditional" First Class on its'A380s). Clearly, there must be companies and individuals who think First Class is THE way to go...

 

Anyway, I digress. What really struck me about the upper deck of the A380 is how quiet it is: the upper deck of a 747-400 is relatively quiet, but still louder than the A380 (I wonder what the flying experience is with the other A380 user airlines?) Whilst a very pleasant journey, the overnight flight meant that I wasn't able to completely explore either the `plane or the excellent VOD entertainment system.

 

In all, a lovely aircraft. Whilst the 747-400 is still my "first love", the A380 will certainly be a contender for my affections.

 

F

 

p.s. For those RMWeb members with a few pennies to spare, this link shows what you can really do with an Airbus A380 and a few hundred million (http://biztravelguru.com/blogs/business-travel-news/archive/2008/07/16/extravagant-interior-of-the-world-s-first-vip-airbus-a380-revealed.aspx) it also helps to be oil-rich!

[Horsetan]

Yes, I flew on a A380 to and from Singapore in 2008. As I can't sleep on planes, the entire 12 hour flight was a waking nightmare. I can also confirm that SIA crams a hell of a lot more proletariat-class passengers on board than it can do with the old BigTop and MegaTop 747s.

[RANGERS]

Not had the pleasure of a 380 flight yet but it's a fair bet they will be quiet. The 340 is significantly less noisy than it's Boeing counterpart.

 

the 380 is a magnificent achievement but why is it so ugly?

 

The 747 concept of an upper deck cockpit would have been a big improvement, as it is, it looks like a 737 on an overdose of steroids!

[PMP]

I've been fortunate enough to travel with the drivers in a variety of Airbus and Boeing products. One thing that is noticeable, particularly with the smaller Airbii, is how quiet the cockpit is in terms of its ambient noise compared to Boeings, the windshield and nose design playing a major part. Whether that manifests itself in the larger aircraft I'm not sure, but friends who have converted from Boeing to Airbus are generally very pleased with the comfort levels. Pilots 'discussing' Boeing Vs Airbus, frequently makes 'DC Vs DCC' look a bit lightweight frankly ...

[Barry Ten]

Not had the pleasure of a 380 flight yet but it's a fair bet they will be quiet. The 340 is significantly less noisy than it's Boeing counterpart.

 

the 380 is a magnificent achievement but why is it so ugly?

 

The 747 concept of an upper deck cockpit would have been a big improvement, as it is, it looks like a 737 on an overdose of steroids!

 

Entirely subjective I accept, but I think it's a lovely looking machine. I saw one being put through some amazing paces at Farnborough in 2008. I was completely smitten!