Airbus pays tribute to 100th anniversary of first Wright flights in Europe

Airbus pays tribute to 100th anniversary of first Wright flights in Europe - A380 low pass fly-by over Hunaudieres horse-racing track, Le Mans

(NSI News Source Info) 9 August 2008: On 8th August at around 17:00 an Airbus A380 will perform a low pass fly-by over Hunaudières horse-racing track at Le Mans. This is to pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the first European flights by Wilbur Wright on 8th August 1908 at Le Mans. A commemorative celebration will be held on the site with a series of flight demonstrations including a flight by a replica of Wright’s original aircraft, Flyer III. This aircraft along with the A380 demonstrates the evolution of innovation through a century of achievements in the aeronautical industry where the A380 sets the standards for the 21st century. Being greener, cleaner, quieter and smarter, the A380 is already setting new standards for air transport and the environment. In addition to offering unequalled levels of passenger comfort, space and quietness in the cabin, the A380 has unmatched levels of operating costs and fuel efficiency, consuming less than three litres per passenger per 100 kilometres. The A380 not only complies with today's noise limits, it is also significantly quieter than any other large aircraft flying today. With a range of 8 200 nm / 15 200 km, and seating 525 passengers in a standard three-class layout while being much more eco-efficient, the A380 is the ideal equipment to alleviate traffic congestion at busy airports, while coping with growth.