The controversial aircraft behind the biggest story in civil aviation today. The first commercial flight of the Airbus A380 fast approaches - and rarely has a debut been so hotly debated and keenly anticipated. Tensions run high as airlines push for add-ons, manufacturers fret over weight and performance standards, and designers make the mundane but critical decisions over such details as seats and food-service carts that may well determine the success of this $13 billion project. This book provides a complete picture of the Airbus A380, as well as a revealing behind-the-scenes look at the development of the biggest commercial aircraft ever built. With 200 color photos, Airbus A380: Superjumbo of the 21st Century takes readers through the drama of the A380 project, introducing all the key players and unraveling the controversies surrounding its development, from battles over construction materials and on-board technologies to alleged mudslinging by Boeing and other competitors.