Airbus A380 takes off for maiden flight

The world's largest passenger plane, the Airbus A380, is on its long-awaited maiden flight. Will this aircraft have the same impact on the aviation world as the Boeing 747?

The 747 was a “bet the company” risk for Boeing that paid off and gave them dominance of the industry that only Airbus has managed to rival.

The A380 is a huge investment and will be the plane that makes, or kills, Airbus. If it performs as promised it may change aviation as the 747 did. If Boeing’s claims that smaller faster aircraft like the 787 "Dreamliner" (was 7E7) are the future then the A380 will be the last of the dinosaurs. Either way it will be interesting to watch.

www.Airbus.com ~ Seeing is believing has video, photos and reports from the flightdeck.

BBC NEWS | Business | A380 takes off for maiden flight

Industry and economics:

BBC NEWS | Business | Airbus v Boeing: The next battle

BBC NEWS | Business | Market challenges facing Airbus' giant

BBC NEWS | Business | Airbus A380 is $2bn over budget

BBC NEWS | Business | Can Airbus conquer the world?

Worth reading as background:

BOOK: Matthew Lynn: Birds of Prey: Boeing Vs. Airbus, a Battle for the Skies

BOOK: Stephen Aris: Close To The Sun : How Airbus Challenged Americas Domination of the Skies