I estimate that I took this picture with the plane at about 1500ft. Intercept ILS 18R = 2000 ft, and she just started descending on the GS.
I guess KLM-Air France have some kind of deal where KLM is (still) more Boeing oriented, and Air France, of cause, more inclined towards Airbus Industrie. AF have some A380 routes from EFPG ... Probably best regarding all maintenance contracts, and such.
Yes, she's BIG
And remarkably quiet for such a powerful machine. I would say the noise level is in the same order of magnitude as the 737 or A320 series. Only: they have halve the number of (less powerful) engines !
Anyway: this was primarily a handling test for EHAM handling companies; No pax yet (some water tanks as ballast instead), and less fuel, so the AIP rules could be "bent" a bit to have her taxi to a gate instead of staying way out there on P apron. If regular scheduled flights are to take place, the AIP needs to be modified, along with some bridges over the highway A4 if you listen to most people. Another concern is the wingspan, which makes it a bit tricky to taxi, especially with opposing traffic on the other (A or B) taxiway.
Of cause it was also a nice press moment for Airbus
Here's another one, from a few moments later:
The cows in the foreground don't seem to think there is something special going on...
