Business | Aviation
Life of luxury aboard the world's largest passenger jet
The airshow gave the crowds a glimpse of what life will be like in the double-decker Airbus A380 as it carries on its test flying records for possible certification next year before commercial deliveries begin.
- By Saifur Rahman, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 November 24, 2005
The airshow gave the crowds a glimpse of what life will be like in the double-decker Airbus A380 as it carries on its test flying records for possible certification next year before commercial deliveries begin.
Flying at 38,000 feet will never be the same again. With 800 people on board, it will be a party.
"We are pleased with the test results so far. The aircraft has shown a better aerodynamics and proved to be a very manageable aircraft on the sky."
Visitors at the airshow have been watching the Superjumbo take off and land following some manouvering on the sky virtually a flying spacecraft.
The aircraft will have two staircases, medical facilities and onboard medical units to attend to more than 800 passengers any of whom might need treatment. "Attention to every detail has been given while planning this aircraft," he said.
"We are, in fact adding a number of new features on the cockpit. It is going to be virtually a paperless cockpit, with pilots having the flexibility to adjust and choose flight plan through a touch-screen, making things much easier.
"Besides, we are introducing a key pad for the pilots to feed in data something the other models do not have. Pilots will be able to change flight plans by using cursors." It is currently developing interface to finetune it. The cockpit is also equipped with an Onboard Information Management System.
"It will be the most advanced paperless aircraft cockpit in the world, when the airline starts commercial operation next year," Nelson says.
Airbus follows a common cockpit philosophy, so than an Airbus pilot does not need too much tests to fly new models. It saves airlines millions in cash in training and certification of the pilots.
In February next year, the airline will conduct passenger evacuation test in Hamburg.
About 780 people will have to be evacuated in 90 seconds something that remains a challenge for Airbus
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