A DOUBLE-DECKER DISAPPOINTMENT

Analysing the drawn-out, billion-dollar airline negotiation breakdowns that led Airbus to abruptly end its A380 programme only 11 years after it began is a complex business, with an ultimately sad conclusion. Blame the 2008 financial crisis, the succession of cancelled orders, the advent of better building materials elsewhere and an industry-wide shift in focus towards smaller, more fuel-efficient models and new, shorter flight routes.

Many factors contributed to the A380 never realising its potential, but forget the manufacturers, it is the passengers who will

miss this super jumbo the most.

The A380 had a dare-to-dream attitude that made flying better. It was big and quasiugly, but comfortable and smooth riding. In many ways, it was too good for its own sake.

I’ll never forget the first time I flew in one, overlooking the wing in economy. It was so quiet and graceful when it reversed on to the runway that I hardly felt it take off.

The seats were agreeable, the bathrooms spacious and there was excitement among passengers about the double-decker novelty of it all. Its 615-person capacity made the ticket prices reasonable, too.

In economy, five-star airlines including Singapore Air offered seats with a whopping 18in width and 34in pitch. Very few carriers sell seats in premium economy with much better dimensions.

The entertainment systems were impressive: Emirates installed what were at the time the largest screens to grace the economy cabin, at 13.3in. Let’s move up to the front, where the A380 reintroduced scenes that harked back to the golden age of flying — well-dressed passengers toasting at the bar and smiles all round.

The good news is that we’ve still got a long time before they disappear completely. Back orders are being filled until 2021. And if airlines are good for one thing, it’s getting their money’s worth.

Let’s enjoy it while it lasts. Super jumbo, we salute you. ●L S. © Telegraph Media Group Limited

[2019]