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The
latest modifications to the world's largest airliner will be
announced at next week's Paris Airshow, they said, proceeding
with a program of efficiency improvements first reported by
Reuters in March.
"We have always said the A380 has further efficiency upside
potential," an Airbus spokesman said, declining further comment.
The A380 has suffered a dearth of sales as airlines switch to
slightly smaller models with two engines, which are easier to
fill and cheaper to maintain.
The project to make the double-decker A380 more attractive to
buyers has already led to the scrapping of its "grand staircase"
in favor of a more compact structure, leaving more room for
seats.
The combination of the improved aerodynamic wing performance and
increased seating to more than 600 would lower the operating
cost per seat, a key barometer for airlines.
Airbus Chief Operating Officer Fabrice Bregier confirmed last
week that Airbus was considering improving the A380 with
winglets to make it cheaper to fly.
Such devices cut fuel consumption by reducing drag, but they can
involve a weight penalty because the wing may have to be
strengthened.
Industry sources have estimated that the overall makeover would
improve fuel efficiency by about 2 percent.
(Editing by David Goodman)
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