Airbus A380. first visit to Russia

The A380 is scheduled to land on 16-Oct-2009 at Moscow International Airport Domodedovo (DME) where it stays till 17-Oct-2009 when A380 continues its trip to Seoul for International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition. The visit will demonstrate smooth and efficient A380 ground operations at DME airport and highlight the benefits for airports, airlines and passengers that the A380 offers.

The aircraft is one of Airbus flight test aircraft fitted with sophisticated test instrumentation and used in the A380 flight test and certification program. The aircraft is currently used for flight testing in the scope of product development and integration of new innovative equipments as well as for airlines’ pilots training.

A380 is already setting new standards for air transport and the environment. In addition to offering unequalled levels of passenger comfort, space and quietness in the cabin, the A380 has unmatched levels of operating costs and fuel efficiency, consuming less than three litres per passenger per 100 kilometres. With a range of 8 200 nm / 15 200 km, it can seat 525 passengers in a standard three-class layout The A380 not only complies with today’s noise limits, it is also significantly quieter than any other large aircraft flying today.

Total orders for the aircraft stand at 200 from 16 customers. Today, 19 A380s are in operation with three airlines (Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Qantas) serving 12 airports. The A380 fleet has ensured more than 7 700 commercial flights, accumulated 73 000 revenue flight hours and transported over 2.5 million passengers.

Moscow International Airport Domodedovo is the first and currently the only airport in Russia certified for A380 operations . The configuration of the runaways and taxiways enables A380 landing and take off together with the taxing using engine thrust. All the dimensions and pavement characteristics of the runaway are fully in line with normative documents of Russian Federation, ICAO standards with regards to this type of aircraft. The technical equipment of the runaway permits landing in the most adverse weather conditions.

Due to this Domodedovo airport is ready to offer its airline partners the unique opportunity to operate direct and transit flights to/from Domodedovo on the modern A380.

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 09-Sep-09