This is my 380th blog. Perhaps I should get out more. As it is number 380. It is about the Airbus A380.

An A380 just before touchdown at Heathrow.

This really is a remarkable aeroplane. It is only 6 feet longer than a Boeing B747-400, but the wing is twice as large ! That is to carry the extra weight, there is also a stretch designed into the aircraft.

It is incredibly quiet. Half, if not more quieter than a B747.

Emirates Airlines has paid for and built their own A380 Lounge at Heathrow. One can walk from the First Class lounge, straight into the First Class Compartment of the aeroplane. This necessitated a special walkway because of the height of the entrance. The drivers of this walkway must be specially trained as when operated next to the A380, it is very close to the wing and engines. There cannot be a mishap.

The Emirates A380 has a bar and a bathroom with a shower for the First Class passengers. The top half of their aeroplane is a mix of First Class and Business. The lower deck is economy.

By all accounts, the service on the Singapore airlines A380, is overwhelming. First Class+ have their own cabins. Just like on an Ocean Liner !

The next time you visit Thailand, go via Singapore on the A380, and experience a different way of flying.

Click on the link here and it will give you a conducted tour of the cockpit:-

http://www.gillesvidal.com/blogpano/cockpit1.htm

I took this picture of the demonstrator at the Farnborough Airshow 2008.