Airbus A380 marks 20 years since first flight
April 27, 2025
Airbus is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the A380’s first flight.
On 27 April 2005, under clear skies in Toulouse, the A380 test aircraft MSN001 lifted off for the first time at 10:30 am.
The A380 was the first aircraft to be designed entirely using a full Digital Mock Up (DMU), a technique that set a new standard across aerospace. It also pioneered the use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) on major components, opening the way for the wider adoption of composite materials in later designs such as the A350.
During its development, Airbus registered over 380 patents, covering advances from noise-reducing acoustic panelling to lighter, safer hydraulic systems—many of which have since become common features in modern aircraft.
The A350’s Trent XWB engine flew for the first time mounted under the wing of an A380 test aircraft.
Today, MSN001 remains a valuable asset to Airbus. In March 2025, it took to the skies again after three years on the ground, supporting a new round of flight testing aimed at certifying further system upgrades and enhancements.
Airbus says these developments aim to bring the in-service A380 fleet as close as possible to the latest A350 standards in terms of safety and reliability.
Looking ahead, Airbus has also selected the A380 as the platform for future propulsion technology demonstrators. Its size, ground clearance and four-engine layout make it a good choice for testing next-generation engines, with the aim of gathering data that will feed into the design of a new single-aisle aircraft.
Since entering service in 2007, the A380 fleet has completed more than 800,000 flights and carried over 300 million passengers worldwide. Airbus says the aircraft will remain a fixture at airports for many years to come, with continued support offered to its operators.
