In the run-up to first flight of the Airbus A380 ultra-large aircraft early next year, activity is reaching fever pitch. From the world-wide logistical exercise to final assembly, from engine testing to preparations for entry into service, the world is watching.
What few know is just what passengers will find on the inside of the first A380s when they enter into service in 2006.
The sheer amount of space available in the A380 opens a lot of possibilities for innovation and imaginative features.
Airbus itself talks about any number of passenger amenities that could be contained within an A380, from cocktail bars to shops or fitness facilities. Those with long memories will remember posters produced by Boeing around the time of the entry into service of the Boeing 747 more than 30 years ago. They depicted... cocktail bars and shops.
The rest is history, as they say, but history is not necessarily doomed to repeat itself.
Airbus says that the 555-passenger aircraft offers 50% more floor area than the Boeing 747 and insists that the availability of underfloor space, and the inclusion of eight cross-aisles, four end zones and two flights of stairs offers airlines "more opportunities than ever before to define and customise their brand".
While the lead airlines have been keeping their interior plans close to their chests, Airbus and the airlines have been working for years on studies into the configuration of the A380 cabin. The work has covered surveys, ergonomics testing and interior mock-ups.
More is known about the first two flight test aircraft that will be fitted with passenger interiors for cabin testing. EADS Sogerma Services has been chosen by Airbus as an approved interior supplier and landed the contract to provide the premium cabin furnishings for these two aircraft.
MSN002 and MSN007 will fly furnished for cabin trials, route proving and test flights with passengers.
EADS Sogerma Services says that its A380 interiors will use increased levels of composites and other, undisclosed, materials to keep weight down. MSN007 will be equipped with a first class cabin from the firm which will feature 12 "pod-type" seats that recline to 180¡. Located on the forward main deck, the cabin will also feature a central bar with stools.
The business cabin on the upper deck will have 72 of Sogerma's new Evolys business class seats, which weigh less than 100kg (220lb), three galleys, a bar unit and two lounge areas with stowage areas and sofas.
Although MSN002 is likely only to be partially-furnished, MSN007 will have a full economy cabin from another supplier yet to be named, as it will undertake the A380 route-proving programme.
Few off the peg VIP A380 model seats be on offer. The firm wants to offer a ready-made VIP version for an elite band of customers who may not wish to design their own interiors.
Concept designs issued to completion centres show airline seating and office areas on the main deck with the upper deck reserved as a VIP area.
Though the A380 is configured as a three-class 555-seat aircraft, some airlines are expected to reduce seat numbers.
That was certainly the case when Singapore Airlines began operating the ultra long-range Airbus A340-500 between Singapore and destinations in the United States. The aircraft, normally configured for 313 passengers in three classes, was equipped with just 181 seats.
On the other hand, Airbus plans a mock evacuation of an A380 configured for 800 passengers.
The A380s departing from major airports around the world from 2006 will be worth watching.
MIKE MARTIN
Source: Flight Daily News
