IN A CROWDED WORLD, SPACE IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY Differentiating one airline from the rest remains the key to success. All passengers, regardless of their size, sex or culture want more space Airbus have gone to unprecedented lengths to make sure the interior of the A380 presents travellers with a truly new way to fly. Vast cabin mock-ups were taken to eight major cities on three continents. 1200 frequent travellers -- male and female, of different nationalities and cultures- were interviewed to check acceptance and to refine the cabin. The research confirmed that the A380 cabin offers passengers unbeatable levels of comfort -- without adding unnecessary weight or drag to increase running costs. In addition, it gave Airbus designers a greater understanding of passenger reaction to the elements in the cabin, and how each of them vary according to the local culture. The A380 will allow airlines a really competitive advantage in passenger comfort. The main deck of the A380 is the widest in the world. Its floor area has 49% more floor space and 35% more seats than the 747-400. So airlines can make their seats wider and provide each seat with its own separate armrest; a frequent passenger demand. The A380 also gives airlines a lower deck on which lavatories, sleeper cabins, crew rest-areas, business centres -- or even a crèche -- can be placed, so there is yet more space for more passenger amenities or seats, to make the aircraft more comfortable and so more attractive to passengers in economy, club or first class.