Now that's a jumbo jet! Last Tuesday, Airbus, a company in Europe, announced the birth of the world's biggest commercial airplane. The new plane can hold up to 800 passengers. The company spent $13 billion to develop the jet, called the A380. Each plane will cost about $280 million.
The gigantic jets are scheduled to carry their first passengers in 2006 for Singapore Airlines. Other airlines, including Air France, plan to use the planes for international flights. Virgin Airlines ordered six A380s.
FedEx and United Parcel Service each ordered 10 of the planes to use for deliveries. "It will have far-reaching effects on the efficiency of world trade," said FedEx chief Fred Smith of the A380.