What is probably the world's largest quality merchandising centre is situated at Toulouse.
Where else can you walk into a showroom 250 yards long and 100 yards deep and see on display a manufacturer's product line where the cheapest item is $40m and the top of the range model perhaps $250m plus.
Airbus has built an impressive mock-up unit within its main assembly plant where both customers and suppliers can see each of the manufacturer's model range displayed full size, with many of the alternative interior options available to discuss. On display is an Airbus A320, a full size A340-600, the world's longest commercial aircraft, and the pride of the whole set-up, an Airbus A380 super jumbo. And to make sure none can escape all the wings are clipped. Viewing is generally open for those who can get past the initial Airbus security system (in other words you have to have an invite to visit the plant) but the A380 is normally off limits. In itself it is part of a very serious and expensive development programme which will see fruition with delivery to the first airline customer in March 2006.
Some comparison must be made with the Boeing 747 which first flew in 1969 and entered airline service in January 1971. Boeing started assembly of the prototype aircraft with orders for 100 aircraft. The Airbus numbers are much the same. Boeing built a new plant for the project and across the road from the current Airbus production line the horizon changes almost daily as a massive new factory emerges. The A380 has three full decks (although the only the top two will probably be used for passenger accommodation - the internal fits are to the customer's choice) whilst the popular 747-400 upper deck is single aisle and limited to a maximum of 44 passengers). Compared with the current Dash 400 model of the 747 the A380 is 4% wider on the main deck and half as wide again on the upper floor. In a typical layout the A380 will carry 555 passengers in a three class configuration, whilst the 747 is now dropping to less than 400 with some airlines introducing a fourth class and offering more space in both First and Business sections. Depending on various models both aircraft can fly much the same distance at around the same speed. Airbus lays emphasis on the fact that the A380 is a 21st century aircraft, quiet and environmentally friendly. It claims direct operating cost 15% cheaper per seat than the 747 and even capital costs 8% less.
Passengers will normally enter the A380 through two air bridges, in some ways a pity as the view from the ground is awesome, the aircraft fuselage 80ft tall. Airports around the world are rushing to make sure they can accept the aircraft when it comes on line. In this respect, Heathrow, likely to be the most popular destination for the A380, has both an advantage and disadvantage. T5 will not be ready when the aircraft comes on line for the first time, but it will be purpose-built to take the new super jumbo.
Stepping aboard the Airbus is in some ways like joining a cruise liner. You are faced with a broad staircase to the upper deck whilst on your level a neatly tucked away bar makes use of every space. The mock-up is a concept and the designers have been given far more flexibility than in the real commercial world. There is a shower on board, as well as a water feature. A designer duty free showroom would not be out of place at the aforementioned Harrods. And there are various offerings on both First Class and Business Class layouts. The galley operation is extremely well thought out and given the class and complexities of meals now being offered really does have to work for the space. The days of a fixed menu tray are long gone for premium customers. Surprisingly there is not even the smallest of gyms on board. Airbus say that even with the private A320 series business jets there has been no call for this facility. However a walk around the two decks will cover something like 200m, good exercise for those who like that sort of thing. The A380 is large, but not that large. If you are used to, and happy, stepping aboard today”s A340 and 747 the A380 will hold no terrors. It's bigger but nicer.
The order book for the A380 stands at 95 aircraft, with no US passenger carrier signing up. Interestingly, on the north Atlantic only American Airlines use the four engine 747, with Delta, Continental and US Airways operating twins. On the Pacific the Jumbo still reigns supreme. Emirates became the first airline to sign up for the A380 at Paris 2001, the go-ahead having been given the previous December. The order book now stands at Air France 10, Emirates 22, Fedex 10 (cargo), ILFC 10, Lufthansa 15, Qantas 12, Singapore Airlines 10, Virgin Atlantic 6, with Qatar Airways also having announced a requirement for two.
And finally back to another comparison Airbus would like to make with Boeing at some future date. Currently Seattle has sold 1,359 jumbos. Airbus would love to beat that!