Since it was first produced, the Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger aircraft, has transported some 30 million people worldwide, according to the European plane manufacturer.

A total of 97 aircraft from the Airbus A380 family are currently in service with nine carriers - Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Korean Air, China Southern Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airlines.

Every six minutes, an A380 takes off or lands somewhere in the world, according to the company.

With four engines and a seating capacity that ranges from 400 to 800 passengers, the double-decker airplane allows airlines to transport more passengers with the same number of planes, alleviating traffic at busy airports, the company said.

Airbus representatives say the model was designed to offer the most comfortable, quietest and most innovative cabin while minimizing fuel costs and noise level.

Equipped with the latest technology, the A380 has been certified to meet the most up-to-date industry standards, including superior performance and family development potential, the company said.

Increasingly popular with the traveling public, the A380 is changing the game for the industry by allowing airways to increase loads on high-volume routes, according to the company.

The monthly passenger volume of the global A380 fleet is around 1 million, and the model is used in some 125 commercial flights each day.

Furthermore, the company has received 262 firm orders for the A380 from 20 airlines.

A380 aircraft already in service have accumulated more than 740,000 flight hours in more than 88,000 commercial flights.

The Airbus A380 made its first flight in 2005 and began commercial service in 2007 with Singapore Airlines.

It started as a baseline passenger aircraft with a capacity of 525 passengers and a range of 15,700 kilometers, which features a three-class configuration and two spacious decks for seating.

The model's economic efficiency has allowed airlines to boost profitability amid increasing market demand, according to the company.

Airbus foresees a strong market for aircraft capable of seating more than 400. The company predicts that 1,700 airliners of this type will have been delivered by 2031, creating a market valued at $600 billion.

Of those, more than 1,330 are passenger aircraft valued at some $500 billion, accounting for 13 percent by value of passenger deliveries, and 5 percent of units.

The Asia-Pacific region contributes most to the strong demand for high-capacity aircraft, accounting for up to 46 percent of the total market share. It is followed by the Middle East, which accounts for 23 percent, and Europe, 19 percent, according to the company.

In addition, increasing urbanization and the rise of middle classes in emerging markets are also driving the growth.

By 2031, the number of megalopolises will more than double to 92, and more than 90 percent of the world's air traffic will be between or through these points, the company said.

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(China Daily 01/30/2013 page14)