Says New large winglets to provide up to 4 % fuel burn savings

Airbus is presenting a development study for an enhanced A380, the “A380plus”. The study includes aerodynamic improvements in particular new, large winglets and other wing refinements that allow for up to 4% fuel burn savings. Added to an optimized A380 maintenance program and the enhanced cabin features first shown at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in April, the overall benefit is a 13% cost per seat reduction versus today’s A380.

 
"The A380plus is an efficient way to offer even better economics and improved operational performance at the same time,” said John Leahy, Airbus COO Customers. “It is a new step for our iconic aircraft to best serve worldwide fast-growing traffic and the evolving needs of the A380 customers. The A380 is well-proven as the solution to increasing congestion at large airports, and in offering a unique, passenger-preferred experience.”
 
The new winglets measure approximately 15 feet in height (an uplet of 11 feet, and a downlet of 4 feet). It is designed to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag.
 
The optimized cabin layout based on the ‘cabin enablers’ presented at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), allows up to 80 additional seats with no compromise on comfort: redesigned stairs, a combined crew-rest compartment, sidewall stowage removal, a new 9-abreast seat configuration in premium economy and 11-abreast in economy.
 
The A380plus will have an increased maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 578 metric tons providing the flexibility of carrying up to 80 more passengers over the current range of 8,200 nm, or flying 300 nm further.
 
The A380plus features longer maintenance check intervals, a reduced six-year check downtime, and systems improvements, which will reduce maintenance costs and increase aircraft availability.

(Image provided with Airbus news release)

FMI: www.airbus.com