Touch-Down A380 USA

The A380 comes to Washington Dulles IAD

2007-04-23T19:12:00.000-04:00

The Washington DC Lufthansa Sales and Station Colleagues welcomed the A380 as it carried over 500 Lufthansa employees and guests from Frankfurt to Washington. It touched down Sunday evening. After making sure we got all of the inbound passengers and VIPs to their hotels, we started decorating the Dulles Jet Center with Lufthansa and Airbus signage - it was our welcome center for our local guests who would be shuttled out to the aircraft for tours, and the highlight, a 1.5 hour fly around down the Potomac at only 10K feet about D.C. We received our first guests at 0600 and went lept bringing people out to see and tour the aircraft until 1700 when they had to do the preps for the return flight to FRA Monday evening. I can't tell you how many texts I got from friends downtown and in Alexandria and Arlington who said they got to see it as it went down the Potomac. Equally exciting for me was having coordinated the D.C. visit and getting an "all access" pass to see this gentle giant. The one thing everyone said was how quiet it was.

Blinky planes now available!

2007-04-17T08:28:00.000-04:00

Those popular blinky planes that were handed out at the airports are now available at the Lufthansa Webstore. C'mon...you know you want one! Go to http://lufthansa.promoshops.com/ and click on "Fun Stuff" to order one for only $3 each. And while you're there, check out all our other cool Lufthansa products. Don't delay, order something today! (Can you tell I work in Marketing, or what?)
NYCEA/M
Susan Vaughan

Photos from A380 flight JFK-ORD 20MAR2007

2007-04-04T13:04:00.000-04:00

These photos keep coming to my inbox in the form of a 2MB Powerpoint presentation. I would have uploaded them to Picasa, but I felt the captions are important, so to preserve them I exported it to HTML.

As far as I can determine, the photos are credited to Michael Schlicting of United Ground Handling Services. Although he didn't share them with me personally, I am glad he shared them with others in our industry. Thanks, Michael!

A380 landing at Dulles

2007-03-27T23:49:00.001-04:00

Found this video of a beautiful night landing of the A380 at Washington Dulles International earlier this week.

A380 promo video by Oliver Braun

2007-03-27T23:01:00.000-04:00

YouTube suggested this video as related to the ones we have been uploading. I have to say that the graphics are quite amazing, very realistic indeed!

A380 safety video

2007-03-27T22:37:00.001-04:00

Director of Customer Relations and Marketing Marcus Casey provided us with this clip of the A380 safety video, captured during its demo flight over Manhattan on March 21.

Inside day two at JFK

2007-03-23T19:10:00.000-04:00

Wednesday was a much longer day than Monday. I was invited to an interior tour at Hangar 19 at 13:00 and nearly got lost on the way. Inside the hangar, a loungy tent with sofas, refreshments, and a coat check provided a comfortable spot to mingle among media and Airbus/Lufthansa execs. Many of my colleagues provided support at the affair, checking people in and giving out tour boarding passes.

Tours groups were about seven people in size, and Airbus VP Communications Clay McConnell escorted each group to the aircraft outside. Along the way he gave an informative chat, which included already known facts like the craft's height, wingspan, and engine thrust. However, he also pointed out that the plane is number 007 and that the tailsign ends in "JB" for James Bond. Additionally it can travel at 85% of the speed of sound - very impressive given its rave reviews for operating quietly, inside and out.

Clay explained that this aircraft is designed to test cabin systems, which means that its appointments were not standardized throughout; rather many different cabin options were on display. For instance, in some sections the seating configuration was 3-4-3 like the 747, and in others it was 2-4-2 like the A340. Different sections of the Economy Class cabin boasted varying color schemes and upholstery, and overhead bin sizes varied as well. The Business Class section was on the upper deck, while Lufthansa has already discussed configuring the upper deck for First Class instead.

I enjoyed Clay's introduction so much that after the interior tour, I asked him if he would mind if I recorded it for the blog. He graciously agreed (thanks, Clay :) I will update this post on Monday with the video.

Update: here is the intro video, as promised.

Maiden Voyage/A380

2007-03-22T14:20:00.000-04:00

Imagine a cruise ship that flies. A huge wing span. A spacious interior that lets you stand up straight. Wide aisles. Modern everything! But what is truly amazing about the A380 Airbus flight I experienced this morning was the smooth, unbelievably quiet ride. It glided into the air without a ripple or hiccup. There was so much room, people gathered in groups in the aisles of all three classes. The day was perfect to fly because it was so clear and sunny. Some guests were conducting video interviews, others stared at the giant wings, and some tested every possible angle of their seat. One of the funniest moments was seeing a videographer lying flat on his back in a first class seat. The minute we boarded, cameras came out of suit pockets and handbags. Everyone had a look of surprise and delight on their faces, because this was real excitement. A little piece of history in the making. But what I'll never forget was the taxi back to hangar as we passed baggage handlers, security, port authority workers, police. For a minute, they stopped what they were doing to look at this new bird. They waved. They took pictures. And I realized no one is immune to the thrill of seeing something incredible for the first time!

How an A380 is built

2007-03-22T00:17:00.000-04:00

This video clip distills the contents of the two-hour documentary I mentioned earlier into a seven-minute assembly.

Your questions answered: blinky plane update

2007-03-21T23:29:00.000-04:00

Today was day two at JFK, and I did not find any blinky planes around (they probably went like hotcakes again before I ever got there around lunchtime).

For those of you who have already inquired, I heard the flashy toys will soon be available through Lufthansa's USA Webstore, which can be found on the homepage at lufthansa.com under Information & Service > Lufthansa USA > Lufthansa Webstore. Since shipping for these items are only to USA addresses, you will find the webstore only if the USA is your default country, or by the direct link above.

A380 takeoff cam

2007-03-21T23:00:00.000-04:00

One of the coolest things about the A380 that I learned on Monday is the system of three cameras which are attached to the outside of the aircraft. There is a camera on the tail, one under the belly, and a third near the cockpit. The best part is that the camera views are accessible through the inflight entertainment system.

My new friend Kevin Paige recorded this video of the takeoff from Frankfurt on Monday. Even though he didn't have a window seat, he always had a great view.

A380 coverage on the Early Show

2007-03-21T22:51:00.000-04:00

While working crowd control at the terminal today I met for the first time one of our account managers from Boston, Kevin Paige. We had a long discussion about his experience on board, which he really enjoyed. He also was interviewed by the Early Show when he arrived on Monday and posted the video coverage already.

The end of an exciting “A380-day” at the Peninsula Hotel

2007-03-20T16:14:00.000-04:00

The arrival of the A380 on Monday, March 19th brought about great excitement to New York. A select few passengers of the A380 flight from Frankfurt were invited to a cocktail reception at the Peninsula Hotel in Manhattan. The invited guests included several VIPs, the press, as well as Airbus and Lufthansa employees. A pianist helped to create a wonderful relaxing atmosphere. It was a perfect way to enjoy the end of an exciting day.

The room quickly filled with conversation where guests exchanged their impressions of the A380. Jens Bischof, Lufthansa Vice President of the Americas, greeted the group and highlighted some information and facts on the “big bird.” Guests then proceeded to enjoy refreshments, delicious food and mini desserts.

The arrival of the A380 has been a success. We expect and look forward to the same rewarding experience in the fall!

First impression A380 at JFK

2007-03-20T10:42:00.001-04:00

The best and most unexpected thing on the ground

2007-03-19T18:24:00.000-04:00

Lufthansa is fond of branded goodies, which show up at every event we have ever had. Often they are wearable and sometimes they even have blinky LED lights in them. In the past I have avoided these trinkets, but the transparent planes bearing our logo which were passed out today were attractive even to me.

Apparently Lufthansa ordered 1,000 blinky planes, more than twice the number of passengers on board the A380 today. After five boxes disappeared in the span of about an hour and a half, a colleague and I gave up our own because the Lufthansa crew wanted them too, and we were short a few. My friend Antonia really worked the crowd waiting outside customs, spotting all the children and approaching their parents to tempt them with the toys.

The blinky planes have three settings: steady on, slow blink, and alarming (the latter made my heart race). The still photo just didn't capture the effect, so I also got it on video. (It's the bit that looks like electric jello.)

Memorable quotes

2007-03-19T18:21:00.000-04:00

If I were to compare it to driving, you would think this would be like driving a truck or a bus. It's like driving a Ferrari.

--Lufthansa pilot Juergen Raps, when asked by the media how the A380 handles

Memorable quotes

2007-03-19T18:06:00.000-04:00

For the moment, the A380 is what passes for a rock star in the aviation business.

-- Frank Jackman, Aviation Week's MRO Blog, passenger on board LH8940/19MAR2007

Inside JFK, day one

2007-03-19T17:29:00.000-04:00

Dozens of Lufthansa employees donned A380/Lufthansa polo shirts to identify ourselves to the press, Airbus crew, and several large groups of passengers who arrived on the A380's first visit to the US under flight number LH8940 this afternoon. We met these privileged people just outside customs in Terminal One, guiding them to their respective destinations: upstairs to the lounge for the press conference (media and Lufthansa crew of 35), to the charter bus headed straight for the hangar (Airbus crew), to the charter buses headed for the hotels (passengers).

Several reporters were present already, waiting to interview the passengers who experienced the luxury of the A380; by all accounts it is a comfortable cabin, roomy but not huge, which is so quiet you don't even feel like you are airborne. The Lufthansa crew members that I spoke with, including the purser, felt honored to be part of this moment in aviation history.

1st A380 close-up

2007-03-19T13:01:00.000-04:00

Wow, and here comes already the first pic of the A380 on its way to JFK. LH employee Heike was up on the roof of the East Meadow building and took this nice shot. Isn't it a real jumbo?

A380 on its way to JFK

2007-03-19T12:17:00.000-04:00

The A380 just flew over the LH building in East Meadow. Wow, this was so exciting! I was not aware that it will fly over our building here in Long Island but then suddenly everyone in the office ran to the window and shouted "the A380, the A380". And there it was, the king of the skies. Ahh, I can't wait to get a close-up on it at the cabin tour.

The Today Show: Special report on A380 visit

2007-03-19T10:18:00.000-04:00

The Today Show just broadcasted a report (see the video) on todays flight from Frankfurt to New York. One of their reporters is acutally on the plane right now.

LH 8940 heads across the pond

2007-03-19T07:41:00.000-04:00

According to flightview.com the A380 with the Lufthansa flight number LH8940 took-off in Frankfurt (FRA) at 9.10 am local time and is expected to land at 11.29 am (ET) at JFK. You can track the flight live or read more on the following cnn article.

Two sides to everything

2007-03-18T23:37:00.000-04:00

While Customer Relations has received mostly positive feedback concerning passenger expectations of the A380, there have been a handful of skeptics who declared to us that they will never fly such a large plane. Some think that its size and majesty is just too showy, and others simply fear the worst case scenario.

Being an American and watching the news gives me a small scared streak too. But having loved every flight since my first at age 10, I know that if I ever get the chance to go on board this plane I must take it.

To detractors I would also point out that it was Lufthansa crew who successfully evacuated over 500 passengers in under 90 seconds during safety tests with Airbus. That fact plus the obsessive commitment to safety and maintenance that I have seen firsthand on many occasions gives me full confidence on any flight my colleagues operate.

Update: Lufthansa crew actually completed this test at full capacity, that is to say with 853 passengers on board!

What do you think?

National coverage tomorrow on Today

2007-03-18T22:43:00.000-04:00

I just saw a commercial for the Today Show which will air a profile of the A380 tomorrow morning before its arrival stateside. I checked their website and couldn't find anything posted there yet, not even a preview of tomorrow's coverage...

My husband reminded me that the media will of course be there. That means I might spot some people in person that I have only ever seen on TV!

I wonder if Matt Lauer will sign my blog? :)

Real tests or just a PR campaign

2007-03-18T18:20:00.000-04:00

Last year we saw Airbus' technical route proving program with several trips across the world but not to the US. The commercial route proving program we are facing in the next days is an important test and development step. Airbus and Lufthansa conduct this program jointly to simulate realistic conditions and gain knowledge that will smooth the introduction of the new aircraft by airlines.

After almost a year of negative publicity around the Airbus A380 program, I have the impression that this route proving program boosts the project again at least as regards Lufthansa employees ;). More than 13,000 participated in an internal sweepstakes for free tickets on one of the test flights. So I guess the flights are beyond all the tests a PR campaign particularly here in the USA.

Airbus even launched a new microsite to inform the public about the route proving program. Let's see whether it will really feature comments of passengers.. as announced in the 'share'-section.

HowStuffWorks: A380 profile

2007-03-18T11:19:00.000-04:00

Discovered a fantastically in-depth article about the A380, including one of the most fascinating aspects: how the plane is built. I recall seeing a documentary on this as well, chronicling the slow-moving truck convoy of aircraft parts which pass through a sleepy French town at about two a.m.

Associated Press: LH to operate first A380 transatlantic flight

2007-03-18T10:41:00.000-04:00

This article mentions that the A380's wingspan is wider than a football field is long (the actual wingspan is 261 feet, 10 inches). Still, that's just 40 feet shy of field length 300 feet ... as a huge fan of American football I simply can't wrap my brain around the size of this plane!

More photos

2007-03-18T09:26:00.000-04:00

Found these links to some exterior photos and some interior photos in the FlyerTalk Lufthansa forum.

Butterflies starting

2007-03-18T09:09:00.000-04:00

I lay awake in bed last night, thinking about the events next week, about the aircraft, the security, the scores of people who are eager just to catch a glimpse. And I got suddenly nervous - afraid that someone will ask me a question I can't answer or that I won't do something right. So when I finally managed to fall asleep I spent most of the night trapped in a terrible dream: I had half an hour to report to the terminal Monday morning, and I did not own any navy blue slacks.

Those of us working the event for Lufthansa have already received navy blue A380 polo shirts which we are to wear with navy slacks. In my dream, I raced from store to store in the nearest mall, throwing things off the shelves in desperation, and no store I could find had a plain pair of navy slacks. It felt like the longest dream ever.

The smell of my husband's pancakes thankfully woke me, but not before the feeling of terror disappeared completely.

ETA

2007-03-18T01:25:00.000-04:00

According to a press release of Lufthansa, the A380 will depart Frankfurt at around 9.00 am on Monday. That means we could expect its arrival at around 11.45 am to 12.30 pm at New York's JFK airport. After unloading passengers and some ground tests the plane will be brought to a hangar for a viewing event.

A sight to behold

2007-03-17T23:20:00.000-04:00

Photos of the A380 in Frankfurt today are already surfacing: local enthusiast tommyboy3344 has posted several already!

Airliners.net: A380 schematics and profile

2007-03-16T18:37:00.000-04:00

Well, I was going to bore you with some statistics about wingspan, fuel efficiency, and passenger capacity, but airliners.net has already beautifully written a profile of the craft complete with seat map and cockpit photos.

Fraport: visitor's terrace open for A380 viewing

2007-03-16T18:18:00.000-04:00

The big bird can of course be seen in Frankfurt this weekend before its arrival to the US, and again near the end of the month. According to this Fraport press release, the visitor's terrace in Terminal 2 will be temporarily reopened for viewing the A380.

What we’ll miss out

2007-03-16T15:51:00.001-04:00

Those people like me, a bloody intern at Lufthansa’s NYC office, that will not have the opportunity to join the lucky crowd flying on Monday from Frankfurt, Germany to JFK should have a look at the following video to get an impression of what we’ll miss out. Although, the cabin design and seats of the MSN007 the A380 aircraft used for the Lufthansa Route Proving Program are actually from Airbus, 23 cabin crew members of Lufthansa will provide full on-board service to mostly Airbus and Lufthansa employees in addition to some press people and guests that are among the 500 passengers. The video is from September’s first passenger flight (Early Long Flights).

Can't hardly wait

2007-03-16T13:40:00.000-04:00

The A380 makes its American debut next week with arrivals on both coasts. At New York's JFK International Airport, Lufthansa will host the Eastern appearance of what some aviation enthusiasts refer to as "Airboss" - an apt name for the single largest passenger aircraft ever built.

There is significant interest in the craft's arrival, both inside and outside the aviation industry. Repeated mentions and threads on travel blogs and forums, as well as an influx of customer inquiries and internal discussions, have proven that. Everyone isn't invited to the events at JFK next week, but nearly everyone wishes they were. Fortunately, some of us are, and we want to share the whole thing here, with everyone who can't be there for whatever reason.

Then who am I?

My name is Michelle, and I do work for Lufthansa. I started in reservations ten years ago, moving later to technical support, and finally wound up under Marketing in Customer Relations. (Some of you may remember me from rec.travel.air.) While I'm not an aircraft buff, there is little that renders me quite as speechless as the sight of an aircraft at cruising altitude, and I am certain that the sight of the A380 will steal my breath altogether.

I managed to convince some of my colleagues to join me in relating the A380 debut experience through this blog. We invite your comments and open discussion (friendly and respectfully of course) and look forward to sharing our fascination with you!