Overview
Why this aircraft matters
Airbus launched the programme in 2000 and flew the first aircraft in 2005. Singapore Airlines introduced the type commercially in 2007. Production ended after 251 deliveries, while several airlines continue to operate and refurbish their fleets.
Size and design
Its 79.8-metre span and 72.7-metre length were kept inside an 80-by-80-metre airport compatibility envelope. Two passenger decks provide about 550 square metres of floor area.
At 72.7 metres long and 79.8 metres across, the A380-800 occupies a very different physical envelope from an everyday single-aisle airliner. Dimensions alone do not tell the entire story: payload, cabin volume and intended role determine how that space is used.
Operators and current status
Emirates, British Airways, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Korean Air, Etihad, Qatar Airways, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines.
In airline service; production ended. Operator lists can change; they are reviewed against first-party material and are not a live fleet-tracking service.
Notable records
- Largest passenger airliner to enter service
- Only full-length double-deck jet airliner
- Certified for up to 853 passengers
Source notes
Dimensions, weights, seating, range, dates and delivery count are taken from Airbus product and facts-and-figures material. Cruise speed is expressed from Airbus Mach 0.85 figure at typical cruise altitude.
Last verified: 9 September 2026. Values may differ by variant, operating condition and source definition.