Large winglets to provide up to 4 % fuel burn savings
Toulouse/Paris, June 19, 2017: Airbus used the Paris Airshow to present a development study for an enhanced A380, the “A380plus”. The study includes aerodynamic improvements in particular new, large winglets and other wing refinements that allow for up to 4% savings in fuel burn and emissions. Added to an optimized A380 maintenance program and the enhanced cabin features already shown at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, the overall benefit is a 13% cost per seat reduction versus today’s A380.
John Leahy, Airbus COO Customers: “The A380plus is an efficient way to offer even better economics and improved operational performance at the same time.” John adds: “The A380 is well-proven as the solution to increasing congestion at large airports, and in offering a unique, passenger-preferred experience. ”
The new winglets measure approximately 4,7 meters in height (an uplet of 3.5m, and a downlet of 1,2m). It is designed to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag.
The optimized cabin layout based on the so-called ‘cabin enablers’ already presented at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in April in Hamburg, allows up to 80 additional seats with no compromise on comfort. Main features are: redesigned stairs, a combined crew-rest compartment, sidewall stowage removal, a new 9-abreast seat configuration in premium economy and 11-abreast in economy.
The A380plus will have an increased maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 578 tons providing the flexibility of carrying up to 80 more passengers over today’s range (8,200nm), or flying 300nm further.
The A380plus features longer maintenance check intervals, a reduced six-year check downtime, and systems improvements, which will reduce maintenance costs and increase aircraft availability.
Over 170 million passengers have already enjoyed the experience of flying on board an A380 today. Every two minutes, an A380 takes off or lands somewhere in the world.
Source. Airbus