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February 8, 2010
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PHOTOS: Airbus Sneaks A380 Into Boston

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By: Phil Derner Jr.
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The Airbus A380 passes the Prudential Building in Boston while approaching Runway 33L. (Photo by Mark Garfinkel)
The Airbus A380 passes the Prudential Building in Boston while approaching Runway 33L. (Photo by Mark Garfinkel)
The Airbus A380 passes the Prudential Building in Boston while apporaching rwy 33L. (Photo by Mark Garfinkel)

The Airbus A380 passes the Prudential Building in Boston while approaching runway 33L. (Photo by Mark Garfinkel)

It’s not easy keeping the largest airliner in the world a secret, but Airbus snuck an A380 into Boston Logan Airport this afternoon, a first for the aircraft type in what was a shock for many. MassPort officials were mum for the most part about the arrival, but some great photos were still obtained photos of this special moment in the airport’s history.

The 239-foot “super jumbo” airliner, registered F-WWDD in Airbus house colors, landed on runway 33L and parked at a remote hardstand. It is unconfirmed whether Boston has any gates that can adequately receive the jet, with its 261-foot wingspan and 79-foot height. The aircraft is expected to depart Tuesday morning at 8am.

The aircraft came in for proving runs, to test out the airfield’s ability to handle the aircraft in terms of runway and taxiway mobility, as well as ground handling capabilities of ground crews who may have to work with the aircraft one day. Boston is already designated as an alternate airport for A380s flying to New York’s JFK, along with a few other airports in the region, such as Toronto and Dulles.

As of this time, there is no word on what airline, if any, may operate into Boston with the massive double-decker in the future.

UPDATE: WBZ TV reports that the plane was delivering an unmanned submarine which will be used in the search for Air France Flight 447′s flight data recorder in the Atlantic Ocean between Brazil and Africa. Airbus is financing much of cost of the recovery operation for the A330 which crashed on June 1st, 2009.

Coming in low over the houses in the towns surroudning Boston. (Photo by Matt Tomlin)

Coming in low over the houses in the towns surrounding Boston. (Photo by Matt Tomlin)

Lookin through the windows as she passes. (Photo by Matt Tomlin)

Lookin through the windows as she passes. (Photo by Matt Tomlin)

Moments from touchdown on runway 33L with the Boston skyline in the background. Anyone up for eatin lobstah? (Photo by Mark Garfinkel)

Moments from touchdown on runway 33L with the Boston skyline in the background. Anyone up for eatin lobstah? (Photo by Mark Garfinkel)

Take a breather, A380! (Photo by Mark Garfinkel)
Take a breather, A380! (Photo by Mark Garfinkel)

Here is a great video of the aircraft’s departure taken by Thornton Shepherd (Tbird209)…