That 'something' is the Airbus A380, according to its creator Airbus Industries. Designed and built at an estimated cost of $12 billion, the A380 made its maiden flight in France in April 2005. It is comfortably the largest passenger aircraft ever built, although not the largest plane - that honour still goes to the Russian-built Antonov An-225 transporter.

Nonetheless, with a wingspan of 261.7 feet (79.8 meters), a length of 239.3 feet (73 meters) and a maximum take-off weight of more than 1.2 million pounds (560,000 kg), it is so big that airport runways, loading areas and departure gates must be redesigned to accommodate it - there just isn't enough space to park these giants at existing airports. Los Angeles International airport alone is reportedly spending more than $50 million on modifications to handle the A380, with more than 60 other airports around the world making similar plans.

Because of its vast size, the A380 can accommodate up to 555 passengers, nearly 35% more than most Boeing 747s, and carry them over longer distances - facts that its creators say are key elements in improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact. By flying more people further in each plane, the number of aircraft movements is substantially reduced, easing congestion and lowering CO2 emissions. And thanks to the use of revolutionary new composite materials in its construction, the A380 is lighter than its competitors; a fact which Airbus says allows it to burn 12% less fuel per passenger.