Inside the Airbus A380

Airbus said the A380 double-deck cabin will introduce a new way of flying for the 21st century by offering 50 per cent more floor space than old generation aircraft. Initial publicity stressed the A380's comfort and space, which offers room for such installations as relaxation areas, bars, duty-free shops, and beauty salons. The A380 customer most likely to use this configuration is Virgin Atlantic, which has a bar in Business Class on its aircraft, and has announced plans to include casinos on its A380s.

Given the history of the airline industry, the A380 will significantly expand the improvements that the 747 made - more seats and lower seat-distance costs - while providing wider seats and better amenities. With 555 passengers, the A380 represents a 35% increase over the 747-400 in standard three-class configuration, along with a nearly 50% larger cabin volume - meaning much more space per passenger. If, however, the plane is ordered in an all-economy-class configuration, it can hold up to 853 passengers, its maximum certified carrying capacity.

	1st class stretched seat (flat bed seat style). Offering about a third more seating and far more available floor space than its closest competitor, the A380 will have wider seats and aisles, open spaces for passengers to stretch their legs and access to lower-deck amenities.
	A380 will be the most spacious passenger plane. There will be room on the lower deck for shops, bars, restaurants and casinos.
	Business travelers and first calss passengers will be able to enjoy levels of luxury more typical of cruise liners than airliners.
	First class seats. Virgin Atlantic chairman Richard Branson has talked about having private double beds and gyms on his airline's planes.
	A stairway between two levels of the Airbus A 380's first class. With twin decks running the length of the plane, there will be staircases at the front and rear.
	Luxury sleeping compartments. The A380 will typically seat 555 passengers in three classes, although only a fortunate few will enjoy the sort of luxury shown in this mock-up.
	Some airlines plan to use the extra space for casinos and bedrooms. According to Philip Butterworth-Hayes, an aviation analyst for Jane's, this would drive up the cost for business and first-class travellers.
	For long-distance passengers used to cramped economy class cabins, the A380 will offer new levels of comfort with wider seats and aisles, individual armrests and extra legroom. Economy class seats will be about 1 inch wider.
	The business class interior. The seat can be fully extended into a bed and internet access available at every seat in the aircraft.
	Passenger Bar area in business class. Onboard gyms and showers will all become a reality .