Air France takes delivery of first A380

November 5, 2009 — Air France took delivery of its first Airbus A380 last week, becoming the first European airline to fly the new double-deck aircraft on scheduled services. The plane is very similar to the one displayed at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009. The 20th A380 delivered by Airbus, the aircraft was handed over in a delivery ceremony on October 30 in Hamburg, Germany, that also included unveiling its cabin featuring 538 seats in a three-class configuration —nine first, 80 business and 449 economy. The cabin also features innovative mood lighting with several different lighting scenarios to create a calm atmosphere and environment for its passengers. Air France becomes the fourth airline to put the A380 into service, joining Singapore Airlines, Emirates Airlines and Qantas. Air France's first A380 will start its commercial service with inaugural flights on November 20 and 21 on the Paris – New York – Paris route. As the largest Airbus operator in Europe with a fleet of 183 aircraft, the airline currently operates 34 A330 and A340 aircraft as well as 149 A320 family aircraft. "Each A380 will enable Air France to save 12 to 15 million Euros a year, which, in today's depressed economic climate, provides the company with the means to withstand the crisis," said Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, chief executive officer of Air France KLM. "Air France will therefore be able to offer customers even greater comfort, while keeping costs under control. Furthermore, the performance of the A380 is in line with our environmental commitment.” The aircraft is powered by four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines delivering up to 72,000 pounds of thrust each. Yet the A380 is efficient, consuming less than three liters per 100 kilometers per passenger, or less than one gallon per 62 miles. It is also the quietest large aircraft flying today since the double-deck aircraft generates only half as much noise on take-off and landing as the previous largest passenger aircraft. Air France ordered 10 A380s in June 2001 and added another two in 2007.

Air France will become Europe's first airline to fly the A380 on scheduled service after receiving its no. 1 aircraft during an October 30, 2009, delivery ceremony in Hamburg, Germany. Airbus S.A.S. 2009 - photo by B. Lange © Top executives from Airbus, Air France KLM and Engine Alliance mark the handover of the French airline’s first A380 on October 30, 2009, at Airbus’ Hamburg, Germany delivery center. Airbus S.A.S. 2009 - photo by Chr. Brinkmann  ©

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