When a 747 Just Isn't Big Enough

The Airbus A380 double-deck airliner has received joint type certification approvals from both U.S. and French aviation authorities. At 1.19 million pounds and with 6,819 square feet of floor space, it is the largest airliner ever built. Airbus has admitted to talks with customers about replacing their Boeing 747 luxury aircraft with VVIP A380s, but there has been no confirmation of any actual orders. The big jet lists for $285 million and independent completion centers estimate that outfitting the cabin will add $150 million. As an airliner, it can carry several hundred passengers more than 9,200 nautical miles at more than 500 knots.