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The deplane test is being planned right now..and they are recruiting 1000 volunteers for the testing...guess they want a few spare for injuries...
The majority of large European hubs are either already capable of accommodating the A380 (CDG) or a in the process of finishing off new accommodation (like T5 at LHR).
The prime reason for going bigger is that in Europe especially the slos are already used at max capacity with little possibility of time extensions or new build airports (all these NIMBYS)...unlike in the US where there is greater scope for time extensions and new infrastructure.
Airports like Chek Lap Cok and the new Beijing International are all A380 compatible.
The demands in terms of modifinng and exisiting 747 compatible gate are not massive however there is the real cost as well as the disruption...I gather that airport operation is not necessarily the most profitable business and so additional costs which may or may not generate revenue are unwelcome.
The 747 max capacity is limited by the number they can get out in 90sec..not Boeing's liability...The SR version is cleared to 550+...in domestic Japanese service only. The international versions were all tested with lower numbers.
Physically you could fit more in but if they cannot get out in time there is no certificate...
The A380 is scheduled to appear in Paris and I guess it would have to fly there...
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