Quantcast

Airbus A380: The fastest widebody jet still sets standards

Air India Warned Over Crew Fatigue and Training Failures Following Fatal Crash
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy may deny flights from Mexico over broken aviation agreement
Plane Makes Emergency Landing After ‘Unruly’ Passenger Attempts to Open Exit Door Mid-Flight
American Airlines Launches Ultra‑Long‑Haul DFW–Manila Flights
Thousands of flights canceled or delayed across America's busiest airports
Summer flight delays to be 'worst ever' this year - what to do if affected
Emirates operates with SAF at London Heathrow Airport
British Airways Introduces Brunch Service on Long-Haul Flights
AirAsia FREE SEATS is BACK! - Book Cheap Flight now!
FAA Investigating After JetBlue Plane Skids Off Runway
Virgin Atlantic Offers Family-Friendly Holiday Packages
The Billion-Dollar Outlier That's Rescuing San Francisco Tourism
New Heathrow Security Rule Makes Packing Bags Easier for Travelers
Alaska Airlines Adding More Boeing 787 to Boost Seattle Hub
Ryanair cancels 170 flights, disrupts over 30,000 passengers on French ATC strike
What to Know About Travel to Europe During This Record-Breaking Heatwave
Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
FAA Drone Detection Testing
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
FAA Admits Uncertainty On Drone Numbers In U.S. Airspace, Raising Safety Concerns
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
Airbus A380: The fastest widebody jet still sets standards
Policy
Webp a380
Airbus A380 | Simple Flying

The Airbus A380 is recognized as the fastest widebody jet in service by Airbus, achieving a top speed of approximately 582 mph (940 km/h), according to Global Air. The aircraft can accommodate up to 853 passengers, making it the largest passenger airliner globally. Its maximum speed reaches Mach 0.89, with a cruising speed of Mach 0.85.

The first A380 took flight on April 27, 2005, from Toulouse, France. The test aircraft MSN001 launched at precisely 10:30 AM and marked a significant milestone for Airbus in the aerospace industry.

The A380's impressive speed is attributed to its four turbofan engines capable of producing up to 80,000 pounds of thrust each. These engines are available in two types: Rolls-Royce Trent 900 or Engine Alliance GP7200. They feature advanced materials such as titanium alloy fan blades and ceramic matrix composites for optimal performance under extreme conditions.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Engine Alliance commented on the development process: “Before entering service on Emirates’ A380s in 2008, the GP7200 required more than a decade of engineering.”

Aerodynamically, the A380 benefits from an extensive wingspan and sophisticated wing design that optimizes lift across various speeds. Its wingtip design includes winglets that reduce drag by up to 4%, enhancing stability and efficiency at its cruising speed.

In terms of construction, composite materials and aluminum alloys contribute to reducing airframe weight while maintaining structural integrity. The use of GLARE (Glass Laminate Aluminum Reinforced Epoxy) enhances fatigue resistance and damage tolerance.

The fly-by-wire flight control system provides precise handling at high speeds by processing numerous sensor inputs per second for optimal control surface adjustments. This system also incorporates advanced load alleviation functions that manage aerodynamic forces during turbulence or high-speed maneuvers.

Operationally, the A380 balances performance with fuel efficiency and passenger comfort during commercial flights. It maintains competitive flight durations while ensuring high fuel economy on long-haul routes where small increases in speed can significantly reduce travel time.

Although production ended in December 2021 after delivering a total of 251 units since its first delivery on October 15, 2007, the technologies developed for the A380 continue to influence new aircraft designs.

Airbus had proposed an enhanced version called "A380plus" featuring aerodynamic improvements aimed at reducing fuel consumption by up to four percent compared to existing models.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Citi has announced a significant partnership with American Airlines, allowing 1:1 point transfers from its ThankYou Rewards program to the airline's AAdvantage loyalty program.

Jul 27, 2025

Citi has introduced a new premium travel credit card, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card, as a successor to the Citi Prestige Card.

Jul 27, 2025

Flying Food Group has highlighted the importance of its Corporate Treasury Team in managing financial resources.

Jul 26, 2025

Etihad Airways is preparing to launch its new Airbus A321LR aircraft, which promises to enhance the narrow-body flying experience.

Jul 26, 2025

Eurowings has been recognized as one of the top airlines in Europe, according to a study by the consumer portal Flightright.

Jul 25, 2025

American Airlines is set to reintroduce its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft for domestic flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) this fall.

Jul 25, 2025