Heathrow airport in London, UK, is spending £450 million ($841 million) to upgrade its facilities so that it can cope with the new A380 aircraft.
"This is a step change. The introduction of the A380 is going to have the same impact on infrastructure and the industry overall as the 747," said Eryl Smith, director of business strategy, planning and development for Heathrow's owner, BAA Plc.
Heathrow's taxiways will be widened, double decker loading ramps will be needed and immigration and baggage facilities will need upgrading too. BAA predicts that by 2016, 1 in 8 flights will use a A380.
