In 2015, the A380 superjumbo celebrated 10 years since its launch. But has it lived up to expectations? Click on for a gallery of the A380 through the years.
Emirates A380s —
In 2015, the A380 superjumbo celebrated 10 years since its launch. But has it lived up to expectations? Click on for a gallery of the A380 through the years.
Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
The A380 took its maiden flight on April 27, 2005. At 79.8 meters wide, the aircraft is the largest commercial passenger plane in operation.
Largest commercial airliner —
The A380 took its maiden flight on April 27, 2005. At 79.8 meters wide, the aircraft is the largest commercial passenger plane in operation.
Getty Images
Different sections of the A380 are built in different locations across Europe then brought for assembly in Toulouse, France. Here the rear section of the fuselage of the first A380 makes its way by barge through the French city of Bordeaux.
A plane of many parts —
Different sections of the A380 are built in different locations across Europe then brought for assembly in Toulouse, France. Here the rear section of the fuselage of the first A380 makes its way by barge through the French city of Bordeaux.
MICHEL GANGNE/AFP/Getty Images
The Toulouse production line is currently working through an order list of more than 160 aircraft.
On down the line —
The Toulouse production line is currently working through an order list of more than 160 aircraft.
LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/Getty Images
More than 50,000 people gathered to watch the A380's maiden flight at France's Toulouse-Blagnac Airport.
Maiden flight —
More than 50,000 people gathered to watch the A380's maiden flight at France's Toulouse-Blagnac Airport.
Pascal Parrot/Getty Images
That maiden test flight was a success, much to the relief of Airbus, which had sunk $13 billion and 11 years of work into developing the aircraft.
Successful test —
That maiden test flight was a success, much to the relief of Airbus, which had sunk $13 billion and 11 years of work into developing the aircraft.
ERIC CABANIS/AFP/Getty Images
Singapore Airlines was the first to take delivery of an A380. The first commercial A380 flight ran from Singapore to Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport on October 25, 2007.
Singapore Airlines A380 —
Singapore Airlines was the first to take delivery of an A380. The first commercial A380 flight ran from Singapore to Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport on October 25, 2007.
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Malaysia Airlines acquired its first A380 in 2012.
Malaysia Airlines A380 —
Malaysia Airlines acquired its first A380 in 2012.
Malaysia Airways
The A380's size means it can easily accommodate a lounge bar, such as this one offered by Emirates. Other airlines have promised gyms or casinos, but haven't delivered.
A380 lounge —
The A380's size means it can easily accommodate a lounge bar, such as this one offered by Emirates. Other airlines have promised gyms or casinos, but haven't delivered.
AFP/Getty Images
The A380 has proved a hit with passengers, particularly premium ticket-holders wowed by the comfort levels available. Ethiad was the first airline to offer fully private suites with a separate reclining lounge seat and full-length bed.
Passenger popularity —
The A380 has proved a hit with passengers, particularly premium ticket-holders wowed by the comfort levels available. Ethiad was the first airline to offer fully private suites with a separate reclining lounge seat and full-length bed.
Courtesy Ethiad
Beyond Emirates, sales of the A380 have been sluggish. Just 317 A380s had been ordered as of summer 2015. Airbus has said it believes the aircraft still has a bright future.
Sluggish sales —
Beyond Emirates, sales of the A380 have been sluggish. Just 317 A380s had been ordered as of summer 2015. Airbus has said it believes the aircraft still has a bright future.
MN Chan/Getty Images