Speed is of the essence on the ground

The larger dimensions and greater capacity of the A380 require airports to rethink many of their ground procedures. Passenger flows, boarding procedures and aircraft movements have to be coordinated down to the last detail so that the increased volume of passengers and their luggage can be handled as quickly and smoothly as before.

Pit stop for the king of the air

When Lufthansa's first A380 takes off, passengers will have already boarded and deboarded the aircraft several thousand times – not in reality, of course, but on the computer screens of the Lufthansa planners.

Catering

As the A380 is taller than all its predecessors, a special catering truck has had to be developed that can easily lift 4.5 tonnes of food, drinks and newspapers to a height of 8.4 metres.

Boarding processes: Via three jetways

More passengers, more comfort – growth is occurring in all directions. Before the A380 goes into service, all gate, boarding and check-in areas will have to be adjusted to meet increasing customer requirements. The modifications go far beyond mere constructional alterations.

Aircraft movements: 560 tonnes carried piggyback

This is the largest tow truck to date. And it can also carry the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, piggyback.