Airbus A380

At the 2010 airshows I had the chance to see this giant of the skies – the Airbus A380. Even then it drew attention not only with its impressive dimensions and distinctive two-deck cabin, but also with the remarkably quiet operation of its engines. Although it is the world’s largest passenger aircraft, during the demonstration it seemed to generate considerably less noise than smaller machines such as the Boeing 737-800 or the Airbus A320.

Today, due to the pandemic realities ("the plague"), most of these aircraft have been grounded and sit at airports, waiting for another chance to take to the air. Looking at my old photos from that time brings me back to the moment when I first got to see the A380 up close. Walking around the tarmac during the shows, I felt enormous excitement – it was a real treat for aviation fans, and in person it made a much stronger impression than in photos or videos.

Interestingly, the biggest surprise wasn’t its size (although that is certainly impressive), but the relative quiet compared with smaller jets equipped with only two engines. I remember that after the A380’s flypast at the show many people commented that they "expected a louder beast", yet this giant proved much gentler on the ear. That’s thanks to modern engines from Rolls-Royce or Engine Alliance, which deliver high power while cutting noise and pollutant emissions.

Now, as the aviation world goes through a difficult period, I like to return to those memories. I’m eagerly waiting for the moment when the powerful Airbus A380 can be seen in action again. I hope that soon these extraordinary machines will return to the skies — not only as icons of modern aviation but also as symbols of a return to normality and the freedom to travel.