It’s the largest passenger jet ever built — so huge that airports have to be redesigned to accommodate it. It can pack in more passengers and cargo than any other commercial airliner, yet its designers claim it will actually increase efficiency, use less fuel and generate less noise.

The Airbus A380 is generating a lot of excitement in the airline industry, with many people wondering if the world is ready for a plane this big. Plus, the program has been plagued by expensive delays. Although it has taken three test flights — one in September 2006 and two in March 2007 — the delays still lead some to wonder if it will ever be finished and ready for commercial production.

In this article, we’ll find out just how big it is, how many people it can carry and whether it will revolutionize commercial aviation or turn out to be another “Spruce Goose” .