With the Airbus A380, Lufthansa opened a new chapter in the history of air travel. The first Lufthansa Airbus A380 will go into service with the summer flight schedule. The largest and most up-to-date passenger aircraft in the world opens up a new dimension for long-haul flights. This new aircraft will enable Lufthansa to bring about 550 passengers to their destination comfortably, quickly and safely in three classes. That is approx. 40% more than in a Boeing B747-400 of today. It is already established: in the A380 Lufthansa will present for the first time the new first class that will be located on the upper deck like the business class. The Lufthansa A380 fleet will be used mainly on the busiest routes to Asia and North America. The Lufthansa network strategists are currently focussing their attention on about 20 destinations. Lufthansa have ordered a total of 15 of these modern jumbo jets, making them the largest customers among the European airlines. The Airbus A380 is not only the largest and most up-to-date passenger aircraft ever built, it is also the first airliner in the world to have two full length passenger decks. The A380 has been designed in close collaboration with airlines and airports and with many industrial suppliers and partners. It is a product that is targeted at a specific market and is compatible with the existing infrastructure. Despite an extended range and increased passenger capacity it has been possible to reduce the fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. The experts expect to achieve a consumption of 3 litres of kerosene per passenger per 100 km. The flagship of the 21st century is distinguished by numerous innovations including: a completely redesigned passenger cabin and improved new materials. The tail unit with vertical and horizontal surfaces are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic. The Lufthansa A380 is equipped with low-noise and low-emission engines. The Rolls Royce Trent 900 has a capacity of 311 kN / 70,000 lb thrust. The range is approx. 14,800 km. Length: 73 m; height: 24 m; span: 79.80 m; weight: approx. 570 tonnes, engine diameter: 2.95 m.