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PICTURE OF THE WEEK: Super Jumbo Jet

Last week, in France, the A380 was revealed to the world. Its production is one of the finest examples of cooperation among European countries and the United States.

How big is it? Its wings stretch longer than the length of two football fields, and the A380 can carry about 800 passengers--on one flight! The jet is almost as large as the mighty Sphinx of Egypt, and it is has two levels inside.

Airbus created the A380 because passenger numbers are expected to increase significantly over the next several years. The more people want to fly, the bigger the planes become. The super jumbo jet certainly accommodates a lot of people, but not many airports can handle it. The sheer size and weight of the jet requires that airports modify their landing strips and slots so that the ground doesn’t collapse beneath the plane. Sixty airports have begun plans to alter their facilities.

The gargantuan A380 is expected to begin transporting passengers in 2006. UPS and FEDEX have already ordered several planes to be constructed for cargo use. Airports have plenty of time to adapt to this newly designed plane, which also happens to be fuel efficient.

--Written by Katheryn Troyer

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