A380 Set to Change the Face of Airports

by Imtiaz Muqbil
Airbus Industrie, manufacturer of the new-generation 550-passenger aircraft, the A380, has begun discussions with 50 major hub airports around the world about the billions of dollars in infrastructure changes that will have to be made to accommodate the massive aircraft. Wolf Dieter Wissel, the company's director of large aircraft configuration, said the airports, including Bangkok's, were looking at additional costs of anything from a few million to up to half a billion dollars to upgrade and reconfigure their ground services and operation systems to ensure smoother turnarounds of the gigantic, double-decker airliner.
Mr Wissel made the comments at the annual conference of the International Flight Catering Association and International Flight Services Association last week in Bangkok. The event brought together about 200 senior executives in the multi-billion-dollar business of feeding global airline passengers.

The Queen Mother

by Jack Elliott
The Paris Air Show is the Queen Mother of all air shows. It was born in 1909, before anybody else ever conceived of anything like an air show. Aviation was hardly out of the cradle. You could a1most count the number of airplanes in the world on your fingers. But the 2nd Paris Automobile Show at the Grand Palais, just off the Champs-Elysees, included an aircraft exhibit.
It is now a weeklong biennial show (it now alternates with one in Farnborough, England). It may not seem possible to be all things to all people, but in the world of aviation the Paris Air Show is just that. Everything from small, personal, single-engine planes to the biggest aircraft in the world, the six-engine Russian Antonov 225, is on display. The latest airliners, business aircraft, and fighter aircraft are there, and many of them are put through flight demonstrations daily.

The Show Will Go On

by Michelle Ciarrocca
As a sign of the Bush administration's displeasure with France because of its opposition to the US-led war in Iraq, the Pentagon is scaling back its presence at this year's Paris Air Show, the global defense industry's largest and oldest international showcase. But make no mistake, the show will go on. No high-ranking US government officials or general military officers will be in attendance, and only six military aircraft - all of them being flown in from Operation Iraqi Freedom - will be on display, compared to the dozen or more usually on exhibit. And there will be no high-profile flight demonstrations of US military aircraft.
Still, officials at the show say that over 1800 companies will be on hand, similar to the record levels of companies exhibiting in 2001. However, this time around, on the heels of Gulf War II, analysts are predicting a more somber tone than in the wake of past wars.

The Paris Air Show

Gliders will be the freight trains of the air.We can visualise a locomotive plane leaving LaGuardia Field towing a train of six gliders in the very near future.By having the load thus divided it would be practical to unhitch the gliderthat must come down in Philadelphia as the train flies over that place - similarly unhitching the loaded glidersfor Washington, for Richmond, for Charleston, for Jacksonville, for Miami.During that process it has not had to make any intermediate landings, so that it has not had to slow down.

Hughes H-4 Hercules "Spruce Goose"

The Spruce Goose is the largest airplane ever built and probably the most prodigious aviation project of all time. It was conceived early in World War II to provide the means to transport troops and supplies across the submarine-infested waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It was the idea of Henry Kaiser, famous for the production of liberty ships. It was originally designated the HK-1 (Hughes/Kaiser), but when Henry Kaiser withdrew from the project, it was redesignated the H-4 Hercules. It was constructed by Howard Hughes and his staff. It was a massive task, one plagued with engineering problems. The Spruce Goose was completed too late to participate in the war. On November 2, 1947, Howard Hughes and a small engineering crew fired up the R-4360 engines for taxi tests. Howard Hughes was at the controls and began a high speed taxi. He thrilled thousands of on-lookers with an unannounced flight. The Flying Boat lifted 70 feet off the water, and flew one mile in less than a minute at a top speed of 80 miles per hour before making a perfect landing. There was no longer a need for the plane, so Hughes locked in a hanger for many years. It was on display at Long Beach, California as part of the Queen Mary Complex, but recently moved to Evergreen Aviation Museum at McMinnville, Oregon.

The Tucson Arizona Bone Yard

Taxpayers money was spent on these. Imagine if it was spent instead on human uplift. Imagine all of the workers who built these aircraft spending their time building better housing, better schools, better infrastructure, better healthcare and hospitals, better nation to nation human relations, better provisions for second and third world countries so as to make "friends" with them ... instead of all of these war machines. - Emily Spence

U.S. Airlines Put Off Buying New Planes

It’s not just flights that are being delayed. United States airlines are also putting off purchases of new planes, meaning the nation’s fleet of aircraft, on average, is aging right along with the passengers

An-225

U.S. Army SSG John Levanger photographed the An-225

An-225 Mryia

Jim Lanphear photographed the An-225 Mryia at Bush Intercontinental Airport

An-225 Mryia

Håkan Rigbäck photographed the An-225 Mryia streaming six contrails over Sweden on February 20.

A DC10 at AKL, 1984.

The DC10 was the first wide-bodied jet to be purchased by Air New Zealand and for that matter, most other world airlines. It remains a classic of its day. I really like the form of the DC10. Since it and the Lockhead tristar, there hasn't been any need for wide-bodied tri-jets. This very scratchy photo, I dug up, taken from my first camera, is of a UTA DC10 at AKL international in 1984! This airline no longer exists and was, if I recall correctly, an airline designed to serve the far-flung French speaking parts of the world.

Boeing 737-200.

The Boeing 737 is possibly one of the world's most common short-haul jets. They're great to fly, as you're virtually guaranteed a window seat! The 737 family has evolved quite a bit. This is a picture of the workhorse of the Air New Zealand fleet taken in 1992 at an airshow at Auckland International airport. It is a 737-200 in Air New Zealand's 1990s colours.

A330-200

This is an A330-200 (I hope I got that right and it's not a -300!) at Fukuoka Airport in Japan. These planes are sort of the airbus answer to the Boeing 777, but I prefer to fly in the B777; they are far more roomy inside. There's also something about the Airbus body I just don't like... though the wings on this thing look great.

An-225

Mike Singleton photographed the Antonov An-225 Mriya at General Mitchell Int'l Airport, Milwaukee.

B767

The 767 seems to be one of those planes that many airlines utilised for middle distance and even some long distance flights in the 1990s and on into the 2000s. Observant and switched on VTers will wonder how I took this photo in Melbourne, when according to my map, I've not been to Australia. Well, in a way I have been to Australia 4 times, but I don't feel any of those times counts as a visit to that country! You see I have been in transit in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne airports (the last one twice). I've had great aerial views of Sydney and Melbourne, but not explored them on the ground!

Boeing 777 - one of the nicest planes to travel on

I have been a plane spotter for a long time. I love planes and I've been lucky to have an uncle who works for our national airline, so I've been able to see planes up close when they've been in for maintenance. To me planes aren't mere forms of transport. They represent the ultimate in human achievement - the ability to soar above the clouds and over the earth. They're beautiful things (even the new mostly ugly A380 has some redeeming features). Part of the reason I like airports is because I can sit and watch planes, though I have to add there are some miserable airports on this planet that stick up walls instead of windows or viewing terraces. They may as well be bus stations when they do that - though at least you can see your bus at a bus station!

An-225

TSgt David T. Long photographed the An-225 at Stuttgart.

AN-225 Mriya

Tamas Martenyl photographed the AN-225 Mriya with a new blue stripe at Kiev, Ukraine.

Interior of World's Largest Airplane Airbus A380

The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, four-engined airliner manufactured by EADS (Airbus S.A.S.). It is the largest passenger airliner in the world. It first flew on 27 April 2005 from Toulouse, France.[1] After lengthy delays, commercial flights are scheduled to begin in late 2007. During much of its development phase, the aircraft was known as the Airbus A3XX. The nickname Superjumbo has become associated with the A380.
The A380's upper deck extends along the entire length of the fuselage. This allows for a cabin with 50% more floor space than the next largest airliner, the Boeing 747-400,[2] and provides seating for 525 people in standard three-class configuration or up to 853 people in full economy class configuration.[3] Two models of the A380 are available for sale. The A380-800, the passenger model, is the largest passenger airliner in the world, superseding the Boeing 747. The A380-800F, the freighter model, is designed as one of the largest freight aircraft, with a listed payload capacity exceeded only by the Antonov An-225.[4] The A380-800 has a maximum range of 15,000 km (8,000 nmi, sufficient to fly from Chicago to Sydney nonstop), and a cruising speed of Mach 0.85 (about 900 km/h or 560 mph at cruise altitude).[3]

Emirates to support new low-cost airline for Dubai

International carrier Emirates has announced plans to back a new low-cost airline offering flights in the Gulf region.Fresh from a delivery of new aircraft from use on routes between Dubai, London Heathrow, New York, Sydney and Australia, the airline has revealed that its latest project would concentrate on the budget travel market.Emirates will work with the Dubai government to develop the new low-cost airline which would start with flights to destinations located approximately four and a half hours away from Dubai.Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman of Emirates will be chairman of the new airline, but has stressed that the venture will not necessarily for part of the Emirates Group.He said: "Emirates will assist in the formation of Dubai's new low-cost airline up to its first flight. "The Emirates Group will assist him in forming the new company and will continue to give all support as required up to its inauguration." Earlier this month, the Dubai-based carrier revealed that it would use Airbus A380 aircraft on flights to New York, London Heathrow, Sydney and Auckland.Non-stop flights between Dubai and New York will be served by the large planes from October 1st, with London Heathrow services due to receive the vehicles on December 1st.Travel Counsellors has all the breaking news. Contact your local Travel Counsellor for a world-beating service.

Item Number: AIRLINE6

Have you ever thought that you could run your own airline if you only had the opportunity? Well now you do! Airline 6 is the premier airline simulation game allowing you to build your own airline up from the ground. Develop a business plan, present it to your investors and get startup capital to purchase your first plane. Start out small and build up slowly or take a more risky ambitious approach and see if it pays off. The possibilities are endless - YOU are in control!
You decide what planes to purchase - hundreds of options from 1940s prop planes to the most modern jets.You decide what routes to fly - you can set up a point to point network or create a major hub in any city you want. You can schedule your flights with specific detail - down to the hours in the day and slots at the airports.You decide the service standards - you can see how a no frills airline might stack up against a full service luxury airline. Choose seating types, meals, in flight entertainment and other services

World's biggest plane...butt shot

I don't usually post random pictures, but I saw this shot on Airliners.net and wanted to share it. From a photography and art standpoint, it's an amazing shot of the sole Antonov 225, also known as the largest airplane in the world. This Ukrainian beast was shot on Boxing Day at Schiphol in Amsterdam last year. Very nice symmetry looking here at the business end.

225 Mriya

The largest aircraft in the world is the Antonov An-225 Mriya. Making its maiden flight in 1988, it was built to transport the Soviet Union’s space shuttle Buran. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Antonov 225 did not fly for years until May, 2001, when a 15-minute test flight was conducted in hopes of using the plane again for transporting large cargo. The plane is 276 feet long and has a maximum gross weight of 1,411,000 pounds—also making it the heaviest plane in the air.
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Airline Flight Status

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antonov225

Description:
The Antonov 225 holds the record for the largest plane in the world. But she doesn't let that title go to her head. She still works as hard as any. Here she sits ready for some large generators to be loaded.

Antonov A-225

I’ve just returned from an amazing trip to Vancouver. I had a great time visiting mom, my brother and all my hot friends in town. En route to Vancouver, our flight was delayed by more than half hour, but our captain wisely told us the reason for it: an Antonov A-225 was about to take off. He pointed out that the plane requires every single meter of runway to take off.
As the Antonov A-225 is the largest plane in the world, I was not surprised to hear about this, especially since my brother had already mentioned it during his time working at Ferranti-Packard (recently acquired by Siemens).
Just check how many wheels are in the landing gear: 28 at the back plus four at the front!!!! (photo copyright: Joan Martorell)

World's largest plane lands at Heathrow Airport

While british Airways and Virgin Atlantic are yet to receive orders of the Airbus A380, which is the world's biggest passenger jet, Singapore Airlines' own superjumbo is set to land at Heathrow Airport on its first commercial flight to Europe. Flying from Singapore's Changi Airport to London Heathrow, over 470 passengers took their seats on the world's biggest aircraft, which is a double-decker. Champagne corks were popped, speeches were made and commemorative certificates were handed out as the aircraft took off for the 14-hour flight. The aeroplane will land on a £105 million pier at Heathrow's Terminal 3 which has been specially built to accommodate A380s. According to the Airbus A380 manufacturers, Boeing, the aircraft is supposed to be the most environmentally-friendly jumbo as well as the quietest. It also features three classes for different types of passenger budgets. Those in one of the 12 luxury first class suites are provided with 23-inch TV and cinema screens and double beds. The business class cabin seats 60 passengers with flat beds and economy accommodates almost 400 passengers. Singapore Airlines UK and Ireland general manager Marvin Tan was quoted by the Press Association as saying: "The arrival of the first commercial A380 flight to London will be a proud moment not only for Singapore Airlines but also for British aviation, with the magnificent wings of the aircraft made in Broughton, North Wales, and Filton, Bristol, and powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines."

C-5 Galaxy

The C-5 Galaxy has a takeoff weight of 769,000 pounds (348,818 kg), and is the largest airlifter in the American Air Force inventory. The C-5 can carry more than any other American airlifter. It has the ability to carry 36 standard pallets and up to 81 troops simultaneously. The Galaxy also carries all of the US Army’s air-transportable combat equipment, including such bulky items as its 74-ton mobile scissors bridge from the United States to any theater of combat on the globe.

Boeing 747

Tied with the Soviet An-124, the 747 is the world’s fourth largest airplane with a maximum weight of 900,000 pounds.

Antonov An-124

The An-124 is the predecessor to the An-225, and has a takeoff weight of approximately 900,000 pounds (405,000 kg). As with the larger An-225, this super cargo jet was intended for Soviet military transport and not commercial use.

Airbus A380

The Airbus A380 is the world’s largest passenger jet, and the second largest airplane with a takeoff weight of just over 1.23 million pounds (560,000 kg).

Flight Image Gallery

I happen to fly a lot o­n business. For me, personally, airplanes are one of the most amazing things that I see on a daily basis. When I get on a 747, I am boarding a gigantic vehicle capable of carrying 500 or 600 people. A 747 weighs up to 870,000 pounds at takeoff. Yet it rolls down the runway and, as though by magic, lifts itself into the air and can fly up to 7,000 nautical miles without stopping. It is truly incredible when you think about it!
In this article, we will walk through the theory of flight and talk about the different parts of a standard airplane, and then you can explore tons of links to learn even more.
If you h­ave ever wondered what allows a 747 -- or any airplane for that matter -- to fly, then read on.

Anatomy of an airline ticket

For most people, ticket pricing can be the most confusing part of air travel. Fares are constantly changing. What your friend paid yesterday for a flight from New York to Chicago is probably not what you are going to pay today for the exact same flight. Even the people sitting in the same section of a flight likely paid very different prices for their tickets. Believe it or not, fares are cheaper today than in 1978, which is why more people are flying than ever before. Fares are tracked according to what a passenger pays (in cents) per mile. In 1978, passengers paid approximately 19 cents per mile. In 1997, passengers paid about 14 cents per mile.

Anatomy of an Airline

While the operations of each specific airline may differ, there is a certain amount of similarity among each airline's structure. An airline's most important assets are its airplanes and its people. An airline can have the best planes in the world, but without the employees, an airline can't do anything. Airlines are most often represented in public by those employees who have the most contact with travelers, such as pilots and flight attendants, but there are many more airline employees working behind the scenes. Larger airlines may employ more people, but the employee categories are generally the same no matter what the size of the airline.

Flight Image Gallery

If you are planning a long trip somewhere, you could drive your car, ride a train or take a boat, but the odds are you'll be flying. Airplanes give us the ability to travel long distances in only a fraction of the time it would take by other forms of tran­sportation. If you are travelling by air, you will almost certainly have to fly on one of the commercial airlines that has flights to your chosen destination.
­Americans love to travel, as is witnessed by the hordes of travelers at the airport nowadays. In the United States, 665-million people traveled on at least one U.S. airline in 2000. Twenty-five-thousand (25,000) flights depart every day from American airports, and Americans are expected to travel even more in 2001.
An airline's basic function is to transport passengers and their luggage from one point to another. Just like any other service industry, the airline industry provides a service for a set price. In this edition of HowStuffWorks, you will learn about the different types of airlines, how they're structured and how they determine ticket prices

Emirates Airlines

Emirates Airlines (shortened form: Emirates) is an airline based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates owned by The Emirates Group. It operates services to the Middle East, Far East, Europe, Africa, Indian subcontinent, Asia-Pacific and North America. Its main base is Dubai International Airport.

RotiCanaiAir - much cheaper than AirAsia

Okay? Wanna book a ticket or not? If you are late, the first class seats are fully booked, then you have to use the economy class - stand by the aisle. Now you know why the aisle is so large eh?
Is this the Steven’s Corner dude who now diversified into airline business?
Have a nice weekend folks!

Dc_3 airoplain

By riding atop mail sacks carried on airmail routes, air passengers in the early 1920s pioneered the first passenger airlines. In single-engine biplanes such as the Boeing Model 40 and Douglas M-2, these early flyers couldn't imagine that by the end of the next decade millions of people would be flying from one end of the United States to the other and that the dawn of international air travel would be well under way.
A giant leap in technology would make air travel safe, convenient and reliable. Amazingly, this advance would take place during an economic depression unlike any the United States had experienced. It would come about primarily through the efforts of two companies: The Boeing Airplane Company and Douglas Aircraft Company.
In early 1933 Boeing introduced the world's first modern passenger transport, the Model 247. This all-metal, twin-engine monoplane with retractable landing gear sported a streamlined design. It could carry 10 passengers comfortably and safely, and it cut the coast-to-coast flying time from about 28 hours to 20 hours.

M4ko

Antonov 225 is a Russsian-Ukranian joint project, designed for Soviet space program. Antonov himself is Russian and designed planes for Russia.