World's Largest Passenger Aircraft Makes First Landing in US(2/2)

"In the first year, first full year of operations for the A380, we hope it will generate as much as $80 plus million in economic activity, $30 million or more in payroll and perhaps 1,000 jobs."

Airbus is also hoping to reap an economic benefit from a project already plagued with difficulties. Two years behind schedule, Airbus has lost more than an estimated $6 billion in forecasted profits that the A380 was supposed to generate. The company is hoping today's successful landing in New York and the subsequent arrival of another A380 at Los Angeles International Airport will help reverse some of the negative publicity generated by the production delays.

Not only is the A380 one of the quieter long-haul planes in the skies, it is also one of the most fuel efficient, consuming about 80 miles per gallon per passenger seat.

Singapore Airlines takes delivery of the first A380 in October. Lufthansa will begin regular service with the A380 from Frankfurt to JFK in the summer of 2009.