Airbus has big hopes for big plane (2)

Furthermore, the company has received 262 firm orders for the A380 from 20 airlines.

A380 aircraft already in service have accumulated more than 740,000 flight hours in more than 88,000 commercial flights.

The Airbus A380 made its first flight in 2005 and began commercial service in 2007 with Singapore Airlines.

It started as a baseline passenger aircraft with a capacity of 525 passengers and a range of 15,700 kilometers, which features a three-class configuration and two spacious decks for seating.

The model's economic efficiency has allowed airlines to boost profitability amid increasing market demand, according to the company.

Airbus foresees a strong market for aircraft capable of seating more than 400. The company predicts that 1,700 airliners of this type will have been delivered by 2031, creating a market valued at $600 billion.

Of those, more than 1,330 are passenger aircraft valued at some $500 billion, accounting for 13 percent by value of passenger deliveries, and 5 percent of units.

The Asia-Pacific region contributes most to the strong demand for high-capacity aircraft, accounting for up to 46 percent of the total market share. It is followed by the Middle East, which accounts for 23 percent, and Europe, 19 percent, according to the company.

In addition, increasing urbanization and the rise of middle classes in emerging markets are also driving the growth.

By 2031, the number of megalopolises will more than double to 92, and more than 90 percent of the world's air traffic will be between or through these points, the company said.