Science

Watch People With Jetpacks Fly Along Massive Airbus A380

Emirates and Jetman Dubai combine to defy reality.

The Airbus A380 is the largest passenger aircraft currently in existence. It’s over 238 feet long and 79 feet tall with a wingspan over 261 feet. It can reach speeds up to 634 miles per hour. Its thrust — the force with which the engine propels it — is 35 tons (that’s 70,000 pounds).

So Jetman Dubai decided it would be a tremendous idea to send to people flying in jetpacks alongside an Emirates Airbus at 4,000 feet above Dubai.

Jetman pilots Yves Rossy and Vince Reffet remarkably keep pace with the aircraft in a beautifully choreographed show.

In contrast to the A380, the jetpacks have a thrust of 88 pounds each and can reach speeds up to 195 miles per hour. They often fly in tandem above the Airbus. At times, they fly on opposite sides of the plane. The pilots make sharp turns and show off their expert maneuvering ability.

A behind-the-scenes video reveals the planning that went into the flight.

Emirates and Jetman had to carefully choreograph the routine to ensure that nobody would get hurt. After all, Rossy and Reffet are just two dudes in the sky. The camera crew also had to make sure to get close, but not too close, to get the best shots possible.

Although everybody involved makes the stunt look effortless, it’s hard to forget that people are traveling suspended in air at ridiculously high speeds. There’s no room for error. It’s astounding.