Every fortnight, the giant components of the Airbus A380 are hauled through the narrow streets of Levignac, southern France.
A380 transforms village —
Every fortnight, the giant components of the Airbus A380 are hauled through the narrow streets of Levignac, southern France.
Remy Gabalda/AFP/Getty Images
The aircraft's wingspan, fuselage and tail-plane are manufactured at different sites across Europe but are so large they can't be flown to the final assembly line in Toulouse. This has forced Airbus to create a whole new method to move them via land, river and sea.
A380 transforms village —
The aircraft's wingspan, fuselage and tail-plane are manufactured at different sites across Europe but are so large they can't be flown to the final assembly line in Toulouse. This has forced Airbus to create a whole new method to move them via land, river and sea.
ayesha durgahee/cnn
After arriving in the port of Pauillac, south-western France, the A380 parts are transported down the River Garrone on a barge before passing through the towns of Eauze, L'ilse Jourdain and Levignac by road.
A380 transforms village —
After arriving in the port of Pauillac, south-western France, the A380 parts are transported down the River Garrone on a barge before passing through the towns of Eauze, L'ilse Jourdain and Levignac by road.
CNN
The journey takes four days and three nights to complete, requiring the help of 53 crew members, 31 vehicles, and 18 security staff.
A380 transforms village —
The journey takes four days and three nights to complete, requiring the help of 53 crew members, 31 vehicles, and 18 security staff.
Remy Gabalda/AFP/Getty Images
It's hard to imagine airplane parts filling up this unassuming Levignac street, but that's exactly what happens when the A380 passes through.
A380 transforms village —
It's hard to imagine airplane parts filling up this unassuming Levignac street, but that's exactly what happens when the A380 passes through.
CNN
Locals and tourists turn out to watch the procession of plane parts. And with the manufacturing serial number in full view it takes planespotting to a whole new level.
A380 transforms village —
Locals and tourists turn out to watch the procession of plane parts. And with the manufacturing serial number in full view it takes planespotting to a whole new level.
The convoy comes to an end at the French company's production plant. Once assembled the aircraft will be flown to its respective buyer. There are now 89 Airbus A380 planes operated by nine carriers around the world.
A380 transforms village —
The convoy comes to an end at the French company's production plant. Once assembled the aircraft will be flown to its respective buyer. There are now 89 Airbus A380 planes operated by nine carriers around the world.
ayesha durgahee/cnn