Ground operations Airbus A380

aircraft ground handling separate jetways main , upper deck, , ground support equipment

in 1990s, aircraft manufacturers planning introduce larger planes boeing 747. in common effort of international civil aviation organization (icao) manufacturers, airports , member agencies, 80-metre box created, airport gates allowing planes 80 m (260 ft) wingspan , length accommodated. airbus designed a380 according these guidelines, , operate safely on group v runways , taxiways 60 metres (200 ft) loadbearing width. faa opposed this, in july 2007, faa , easa agreed let a380 operate on 45 m (148 ft) runways without restrictions. a380-800 approximately 30% larger in overall size 747-400. runway lighting , signage may need changes provide clearance wings , avoid blast damage engines. runways, runway shoulders , taxiway shoulders may required stabilised reduce likelihood of foreign object damage caused (or by) outboard engines, more 25 m (82 ft) centre line of aircraft, compared 21 m (69 ft) 747–400, , 747–8.

a380 20-wheel main landing gear

airbus measured pavement loads using 540-tonne (595 short tons) ballasted test rig, designed replicate landing gear of a380. rig towed on section of pavement @ airbus facilities had been instrumented embedded load sensors. determined pavement of runways not need reinforced despite higher weight, distributed on more wheels in other passenger aircraft total of 22 wheels (that is, ground pressure lower). a380 undercarriage consists of 4 main landing gear legs , 1 noseleg (a similar layout 747), 2 inboard landing gear legs each supporting 6 wheels.

the a380 requires service vehicles lifts capable of reaching upper deck, tractors capable of handling a380 s maximum ramp weight. when using 2 jetway bridges boarding time 45 min, , when using jetway upper deck reduced 34 min. a380 has airport turnaround time of 90–110 minutes. in 2008 a380 test aircraft used trial modifications made several airports accommodate type.