The Airbus “superjumbo” A380 has been declared worthy for the commercial air market by both the FAA and the European Aviation Safety Administration (EASA) in a joint ceremony today. Despite a troubled history including years of delays, wiring problems, an insider trading scandal, canceled orders, and rumors of a standing-room-only cattle class, this baby’s gonna fly. All 1,200,000 lbs of it. “It’s a great day for aviation … The size of this aircraft is indicative of just how big dreams can be,” said FAA Administrator Marion Blakey. But dreams have been that big before – the A380 has almost the same dimensions as Howard Hughes’ “Spruce Goose,” – and we all know how that went. Only one aircraft larger than the A380 has ever been built, the Antonov An-225 Mriya, which was a one-off designed to transport Soviet space shuttles. The A380 can carry a human cargo of 555 passengers on two decks. Currently, Airbus has orders to deliver 166 of the beasts to carriers including Emirates, Korean Air, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore, and Air France. Singapore Airlines will have the first A380s in service, starting in October of 2007.

Elsewhere:
– “World’s largest airliner declared safe to fly (Reuters)
– “Airbus Insider Dealing Probe Intensifies” (NYT)

Previously:
– “Steerage for the world of Air Travel?”

UPDATE:
– “Giant jet sets off fuel tank concerns” (USA Today)