Airbus A380 takes centre stage at FIDAE 2014

Aircraft will be displayed through end of show for first time

Airbus has kicked off its presence at FIDAE, Latin American’s largest air show, with the arrival of its iconic Airbus A380 in Santiago, Chile. The Airbus A380 (MSN1) flew in from its base in Toulouse, France, on Sunday, March 23rd. Airbus has participated at FIDAE (Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio) for nearly 20 years, and this year is showcasing the world’s most advanced passenger aircraft with numerous flying displays throughout the show, which officially runs from 25th to 30th March.

MSN1 is the Airbus first test A380 aircraft and made the first flight in 2005. Its cabin is equipped with sophisticated testing equipment and is used in the continuous development of A380 programme innovations.

"Airbus is proud to bring its biggest aircraft to the biggest air show in the Americas," said Rafael Alonso, President of Airbus for Latin America and the Caribbean. "After participating at FIDAE for nearly two decades, we are happy to announce for the first time that the aircraft will be on display every day of the show."

The A380 is the best aircraft to absorb Latin America’s traffic growth in the most efficient way. Since first entering into service in 2007, to date over 120 A380s have joined the fleets of 10 world class airlines. The aircraft is capable of flying 8,500 nautical miles or 15,700 kilometres non-stop, carrying more people at lower cost and with less impact on the environment than any competitor aircraft. The spacious, quiet cabin and smooth ride have made the A380 a firm favourite with both airlines and passengers, resulting in higher load factors wherever it flies. The total A380 fleet has accumulated over 1.3 million flight hours in close to 155,000 commercial flights. To date 55 million passengers have already enjoyed the unique experience of flying on board an A380. Every five minutes, an A380 either takes off or lands at one of the over 30 airports it operates to around the world.
With more than 800 Airbus aircraft sold and a backlog of nearly 400, more than 500 Airbus aircraft are in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In the last 10 years, Airbus has tripled its in-service fleet, while delivering more than 60 percent of all aircraft operating in the region. Airbus