Discovering the Airbus A380 jet
Are you looking into booking a private jet, and noticed the Airbus A380 among some examples?
Really, it is nearly impossible not to notice an aircraft of this caliber.
We’re curious too, so we put together some facts about this aircraft, its cost, and its peculiarities. You’re welcome to read!
Cost and features of the Airbus A380 jet
Did you know the Airbus A380 is the most expensive private jet in the world?
Yes, really, and this is probably part of what makes it a particularly famous aircraft. It is in such high demand, that in 2007 Prince Alawaleed bin Talal ordered one and had it designed according to his needs.
The cost of the aircraft is around 500 million dollars. On the market there are also used A380s in perfect condition, and you can find one for as low at 100 million dollars.
Alternatively, it is possible to lease an A380 for $ 2 million a month.
Inside this titan of the skies you will find:
- an elevator
- a relaxation area comprising of a Turkish bath and a wellness room
- plasma TVs, and screens installed on the floor projecting real time images of the landscapes as you soar above them.
It may seem like more than enough, right?
But that's not all: the air is fragrant and you will notice different fragrances based on the locations you are flying through... all meticulously in real time.
Its technological systems are of the latest generation. On board, you will also find suites with double beds and any entertainment service on the market.
In addition to the relaxation areas, the aircraft has a room dedicated to prayer. The area is equipped with rugs facing Mecca, projected by a computer in order to always keep them in the correct position.
The Airbus A380 even contains a garage that can accommodate two Rolls-Royces. There are also proper animal rooms, such as a stable for horses, camels, and an aviary for hawks.
The Airbus A380 is not only used as a private jet, it is also used as a commercial aircraft. Here are the airliners making use of it in their fleet:
- Air France
- Lufthansa
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates Airlines
- Korean Air
- Quantas
- China Southern Airlines
The king of private jets
Although the A380 was originally conceived as a commercial airliner, after numerous requests, its brokers decided to convert the model into a private jet.
In the case of the aircraft purchased by Prince Alawaleed bin Talal, it was transformed into a true flying palace with all comforts.
Here are the characteristics of this titan of the skies:
- Length 72.72 m.
- Wingspan 79.75 m.
- Height 24.09 m.
- Empty weight 369 000 kg
- Load weight 577 000 kg
- 4 Rolls-Royce Trent 900 turbofan engines
- Autonomy 15.400 km
Although there exist longer aircraft (such as the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental and the Airbus A340-600), the Airbus A380 is, to this day, the aircraft that can accommodate the highest number of passengers on board.
The A380 (Superjumbo) is distributed on two floors, and among its many rooms you will find a swimming pool, multiple luxury suites, and a tennis court.
The jet needs two or more pilots: which explains why there are bunks in the cockpit.
Throughout the remainder of the plane, 22 flight attendants can be accommodated for.
What are the most illustrious features of this private jet?
Here are a few:
- Parking spaces for his Rolls Royces
- Cinema hall
- Sauna and Turkish bath
- Retractable and plasma TVs
- Private elevator that connects the two floors
- Conference room and holographic monitors
- Rooms with King size beds
- Wellness room
- Marble bathrooms
- Stage for private entertainment with seating
The costs of the Airbus A380
The Airbus A380 is the largest passenger plane in the world, costing about $ 29,000 per hour in terms of crew, and costs as much as $ 17,000 per hour to fuel.
This Jet is designed for very long flights (even over 10 hours) and can fly for 4400 miles before needing to land and refuel.
It can reach a maximum speed of 1,176 km / h, while its cruising speed is 1,041 km / h.
In short: it is truly King of private jets, a plane with all the comforts and able to offer a unique flight experience!