There was an unmistakable air of excitement at Dulles International Airport on October 2, 2014, where various groups of people – including media and self proclaimed aviation geeks - gathered in eager anticipation of the arrival of a newcomer.
Shortly after noon, British Airways landed one of its A380s to launch service at Dulles for the first time. After a graceful landing, the lumbering giant of an aircraft threaded its way carefully to a designated gate to discharge its first planeload of passengers. A pair of fire trucks stationed on either side of the jet shot plumes of water to form a welcoming arch. Inside, dozens of blue and white balloons festooned the arrival area.
Prior to this, Air France was the only carrier that flew an A380 into the airport, which is about 30 miles south west of Washington, DC. Air France has taken delivery of 10 A380s but has decided against taking the two remaining from its order.
The BA aircraft seats 469 customers on two decks and four separate cabins. Seating includes 97 in Club World (business) 14 first class suites; 55 in World Traveller Plus (premium economy and 303 in World Traveller (economy).
“We are delighted with the A380,” said Sean Doyle, executive vice president Americas as he waited on a sunny day for its arrival. He said the aircraft, the lounges and the service represent a “multi-billion pound investment” designed to enhance premium experience at Dulles.
To accommodate the newcomer, BA redesigned and expanded its existing lounge to 10,000 square feet which is sectioned off into small, carefully appointed rooms that belie its overall size. There are food stations, a full bar, a computer room, shower facilities along with sitting and dining areas.
Initially, BA will operate A380 service five times a week at Washington. The service will increase to daily by the end of October. It will supplement the daily 747 flights and the three weekly 777 flights out of the airport.
BA currently operates an A380 out of Los Angeles and will begin service from San Francisco in 2015. Service to Singapore will be added on October 28, 2014. Currently, the A380 is also used on routes to Hong Kong and Johannesburg.
BA has ordered 12 A380s, eight of which have been delivered. Thus far, no US carrier has placed a single order for an A380s. In addition to the US, no orders have come from South America, Africa or India. Airbus has orders for 318 of the aircraft, 138 of which have been delivered.
The biggest customers thus far have been from airlines in Asia and in the Middle East. The most enthusiastic supporter, Emirates Airline, holds orders for 140 A380s, with 50 delivered. Emirates President Tim Clark said in an interview at the World Routes forum in Chicago that the carrier would be in the market for an additional 60 to 70 A380s.
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