There were jumbo jets and there were jumbo jets 10 years ago, and then Airbus ushered the phrase "superjumbo" into the lexicon of aviation geeks everywhere.

Ten years ago today the French airplane manufacturer flew the first test flight of what has become the iconic A380, with Singapore Airlines later taking the first delivery of the plane.

Currently, 13 airlines have put the A380 to use. More than 300 have been sold, and about half of those delivered, according to John Leahy, Airbus’ chief operating officer, in the video Airbus produced below. Emirates Airlines has purchased 59 of those.

Every four minutes, an Airbus 380 is taking off or landing somewhere in the world.

Though there is a limited market for such a large plane — it can seat more than 800, but airlines generally keep the capacity to around 500-550 passengers — Airbus is optimistic that continued growth of air travel will keep the A380 relevant and in demand, despite analysts’ conjecture that Airbus will have to halt production for financial reasons.

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