Airbus' much sought after superjumbo is revolutionising aviation, according to the CEO of the manufacturer.
Speaking at the launch event for Korean Air's A380 at the Airbus factory in Toulouse, Tom Enders said the “efficiency, profitability and customer comfort” that the A380 provides is currently unmatched.
“The A380 has proven to be a game changer,” said Enders, “setting new standards”.
He said the model would continue to prove its worth, particularly in the current climate of increasing oil prices: “If the cost of oil is going to rise, it [the A380] is a huge benefit to airlines,” he said.
The A380 has been designed to burn considerably less fuel per passenger than its Boeing counterpart the B747-400, making it more environmentally friendly and more cost efficient.
The aircraft is much in demand, with some 18 airlines having ordered a total of 234 A380s. Many carriers, however, are several years away from receiving even their first.
The timescale for deliveries has also been prolonged, due to a few hiccups on the production line.
Enders admitted that last year's issues with the Rolls Royce Trent 900 engine, which saw all A380 aircraft grounded for several days following a technical malfunction, “did have an effect” and put production back.
Korean Air's first A380 was delivered some five months late. It had been due in December 2011, but was pushed back to May due to production difficulties, although unrelated to the issue with Rolls Royce as the airline is opting for the Engine Alliance GP 7200 engine.
Airbus is now focused on “ramping up” its production line “as quickly as possible”, said Enders, aiming to deliver at least 20 A380s by the end of this year.
The Airbus factory in Toulouse, where all A380s are assembled, is currently only operating at half its potential capacity, but next year hopes to reach its full capability with four aircraft completed per month.