Quantcast

Airbus A380's slow climb attributed to size and weight

Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Gatwick Airport Faces Potential Strikes
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
Airbus A380's slow climb attributed to size and weight
Policy
Webp kashwani
Ali Kashwani pilot at Emirates | Official Website

The Airbus A380, the largest commercial aircraft ever built, is known for its slow climb rate due to its massive size and weight. With a maximum takeoff weight of 575,000 kg (1,268,000 lbs), it is powered by four Rolls-Royce Trent 900 or Engine Alliance GP7200 engines. The A380 typically seats around 525 passengers across three cabin classes but can accommodate up to 853.

"The optimal rate of climb (ROC) of any aircraft will be down to the particulars of that flight," notes Simple Flying. The A380's thrust-to-weight ratio results in a slower climb rate compared to narrowbody jets like the Airbus A320. During initial climbs after takeoff, pilots rarely exceed 1,500 feet per minute (fpm). However, once reaching an altitude of 5,000 feet or above, the A380 can maintain a higher climb rate of around 2,500 fpm.

In comparison with other widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A350-900, the A380's initial climb rate is among the lowest in the industry. More modern designs like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner can maintain steeper ROC during initial climbs despite having fewer engines and lower weights.

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.

The descent rates for landing are also slower than other large planes. "As you might expect," says Simple Flying about descent rates for landing or other reasons; "the A380 has one of the lowest Rates of Descent (ROD) among widebody aircraft."

Only select airports worldwide can accommodate this 'Super Heavy' plane under ICAO's Aerodrome Reference Code F requirements due to its special needs regarding runway width and taxiway clearance.

Despite these operational challenges related primarily due its size rather than lack power - boasting maximum thrust from four engines totaling approximately 300k lbf - pilots praise how responsive handling makes flying manageable: "extremely responsive easy handle," said Emirates pilot Ali Kashwani while another noted being able slow down descend quicker compared smaller models within same family line-up thanks cockpit commonality feature allowing seamless transition between different types via Crew Cross Qualification process offered by manufacturer itself since first delivery back October fifteenth two thousand seven Singapore Airlines launch customer then onwards continued remain popular choice amongst carriers globally today still holds record most powerful commercial jet history according Airbus themselves equating horsepower equivalent around twenty-five hundred family cars combined!

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, with all five applicants receiving awards this year.

Oct 23, 2025

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced the release of version 7.5 of its mobile app, introducing new features aimed at making travel planning and management easier for customers during the holiday season.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025

The 13th Annual Breast Care International Walk for the Cure took place in Kumasi, Ghana, drawing around 30,000 participants, including survivors, healthcare professionals, students, traditional leaders, and advocates.

Oct 22, 2025

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to allow for a significant redevelopment.

Oct 22, 2025