Airbus A380: Superjumbo of the 21st Century (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Mark Wagner (Photographer)
Key Phrases: tiger teams, center wing box, nose gear bay, Mark Wagner, United States, United Kingdom (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The first commercial flight of the Airbus A380 fast approaches—and rarely has a debut been so hotly debated and keenly anticipated. Tensions run high as airlines push for add-ons, manufacturers fret over weight and performance standards, and designers make the mundane but critical decisions over such details as seats and food-service carts that may well determine the success of this $13 billion project. This book provides a complete picture of the Airbus A380, as well as a revealing behind-the-scenes look at the development of the biggest commercial aircraft ever built. With 200 color photos, Airbus A380: Superjumbo of the 21st Century takes readers through the drama of the A380 project, introducing all the key players and unraveling the controversies surrounding its development, from battles over construction materials and on-board technologies to alleged mudslinging by Boeing and other competitors.

About the Author

Guy Norris and photographer Mark Wagner have also collaborated on Airbus, Boeing 777, Boeing Jetliners, Douglas Jetliners, Giant Jetliners, Modern Boeing Jetliners, and the best-selling Boeing. Both work for the United Kingdom-based aviation magazine Flight International. Norris lives in Newport Beach, California. Wagner lives in London, England.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Zenith Press; First edition (November 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076032218X
• ISBN-13: 978-0760322185
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #372,096 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Illustrations and Commentary!, July 22, 2006

By	Loyd E. Eskildson "Pragmatist" (Phoenix, AZ.) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

"Airbus 380" takes the reader through the nearly 900 passenger airplane's development process - beginning with rough sketches in 1988. The aim was to break Boeing's 747 monopoly on large planes. Airbus envisioned increased travel to-from the Asia-Pacific market as justifying the need for new long-distance aircraft; the congestion at existing airports steered them towards a jumbo jet with targeted direct operating costs at least 15% less than those projected for new 747 models. After receiving a number of firm orders the go-ahead decision was made in June of 2000, aided or in spite of Boeing's decision to drop its effort to upgrade the 747 due to "insufficient market size." About 40% of the manufacturing was subcontracted out, and included a number of firms in the U.S.

Progress had been delayed by the Asian economic crisis in 1998, and the horizon darkened again with the air traffic slowdown post 9/11.

"Airbus 380's" narrative takes the reader throughout the development and testing, as well as initial manufacturing leading up to its January, 2005 roll-out. Clear photos, with accompanying specific explanation, provide insight to most every imaginable detail and an appreciation of the complexity and care involved.

Unfortunately for Airbus, the sudden rise in oil prices has led to fewer orders than hoped for, and wiring problems have twice created six-month production delays and the replacement of top management. Airbus has now committed to another $5 billion in development to further reduce operating costs in an effort to regain ground lost to Boeing's smaller but more efficient "Dreamliner."

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Read, August 1, 2006

By	John D. Barr (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Although it is somewhat bias towards Airbus and the 380, this book has a lot of good informaton on how the 380 came to life, and the competition with Boeing. The pictures are worth the price of the book (but the captions are lifted right from the text.) The text is a good read, and is as up-to-date as it could be, but missing the recent changes in Airbus mgt., development proceedures, and the new 350-XWB.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good references for everyone who like airplanes, June 2, 2006

By	Felix Tello Junco "Felix Tello" (Miami ,FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I read the book and I have no word to express my suprise about airplanes technology. The photos and information is good.
Congratulations to Guy Norris and Mark Wagner for an excellent work.