World’s Biggest Airliner Oshkosh-Bound

April 16, 2009 — It’s sure to make a big impression. In fact, it’s likely to make a huge impression. EAA announced Wednesday that the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, will visit its annual fly-in convention this summer! The A380 will arrive at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009 and perform a flight demonstration to begin the Tuesday, July 28, air show. After commanding the stage through the remainder of the week on AeroShell Square, AirVenture's main aircraft showcase area, it will open the air show again on Friday, July 31 with a flight demonstration before its departure. "I'm pleased that Airbus chose EAA AirVenture Oshkosh as its first occasion in North America to provide an up-close and personal look at the A380," said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman and president. "The A380 represents an amazing feat of aircraft design, engineering, and construction ... and it will hold the distinction of being the largest passenger aircraft ever to have filled our sky and rolled onto our ramp." The company has been looking forward to bringing the aircraft to AirVenture, said Airbus Americas Chairman T. Allan McArtor. “It makes perfect sense for the A380 to be featured at Oshkosh - not only because it is the largest passenger aircraft in history, but also because the remarkable A380 would not have been possible without the considerable support of our airline- and supplier-partners from around the world who worked with us over many years to make the aircraft a reality." The A380's visit marks the second time this decade that Airbus has brought a crowd-pleasing aircraft to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. In 2003, the Airbus A300-600ST, known as the "Beluga,” made an appearance in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight. "AirVenture Oshkosh celebrates aviation's pioneering spirit and the various demonstrations of that spirit, large and small. With the A380 coming, I'd say we have the 'large' base covered this year," Poberezny said. This year's fly-in convention takes place July 27 - August 2 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. How BIG is it? Length - 239’ 3” Span - 261’ 8” Height - 79’ 7” Empty Weight - 556,000 lbs Max Take Off Weight - 1,300,000 lbs Range - 8,200 NM Fuel Capacity - 81,980 gallons Seating - 525 typical – mixed seating

The Airbus A380 will make its first visit to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this summer. The Airbus A380 will arrive to start the July 28 air show at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009. Photo courtesy EAA The Airbus A380 is the world’s largest passenger airline. Photo courtesy EAA

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