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18/01/2005
Superjumbo Airbus A380 rolls out of hangar
The world's largest passenger carrying aircraft, the Airbus A380, is being unveiled this morning at a lavish ceremony in Toulouse, France.
Attending the ceremony are the heads of state for the main countries involved in the multi-national European project, including British Prime Minister Tony Blair, French President Jacques Chirac, and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.
Mr Blair joined with other European leaders to praise those involved in the "stunning" A380 project, which he said was a symbol of European cooperation: "This is the most exciting new aircraft in the world, a symbol of economic success and technical innovation. Above all, it is a sign of confidence that we can compete and win in the global market".
The massive £6bn ($11bn) aircraft is the first to have two complete decks and is capable of carrying 555 people, some 150 more than its nearest competitor, the Boeing 747 'Jumbo' jet. The airliner has been designed to accommodate increasing passenger numbers on tight landing schedules at major airports that have few available slots.
Airbus make much of the 380's mpg which at around 95 (per passenger) miles to the gallon of aviation fuel is better than other comparable large passenger jets.
Airbus has received orders for the airliner from 14 airlines - 11 of them passenger airlines - and to date there are firm orders for 149 aircraft and options on another 100. While there are high hopes for the aircraft, it will take around 250 orders for the €11bn project to break even, but Airbus Chief Executive Noel Forgeard said he hoped that up to 700 of the aircraft would be built during the production life of the aircraft.
US aircraft giant Boeing shelved a project to build their own superjumbo in 2001, preferring instead to develop the mid-sized 7E7 'Dreamliner'. Due to be launched in April this year the 7E7 can accommodate up to 300 passengers and is a direct replacement for aging Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft.
(SP)
Attending the ceremony are the heads of state for the main countries involved in the multi-national European project, including British Prime Minister Tony Blair, French President Jacques Chirac, and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.
Mr Blair joined with other European leaders to praise those involved in the "stunning" A380 project, which he said was a symbol of European cooperation: "This is the most exciting new aircraft in the world, a symbol of economic success and technical innovation. Above all, it is a sign of confidence that we can compete and win in the global market".
The massive £6bn ($11bn) aircraft is the first to have two complete decks and is capable of carrying 555 people, some 150 more than its nearest competitor, the Boeing 747 'Jumbo' jet. The airliner has been designed to accommodate increasing passenger numbers on tight landing schedules at major airports that have few available slots.
Airbus make much of the 380's mpg which at around 95 (per passenger) miles to the gallon of aviation fuel is better than other comparable large passenger jets.
Airbus has received orders for the airliner from 14 airlines - 11 of them passenger airlines - and to date there are firm orders for 149 aircraft and options on another 100. While there are high hopes for the aircraft, it will take around 250 orders for the €11bn project to break even, but Airbus Chief Executive Noel Forgeard said he hoped that up to 700 of the aircraft would be built during the production life of the aircraft.
US aircraft giant Boeing shelved a project to build their own superjumbo in 2001, preferring instead to develop the mid-sized 7E7 'Dreamliner'. Due to be launched in April this year the 7E7 can accommodate up to 300 passengers and is a direct replacement for aging Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft.
(SP)
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09 September 2003
bmi embarks on major Airbus buy
The UK’s second largest full-service scheduled airline, bmi, has announced an accelerated programme to operate an all Airbus fleet by next year.
bmi embarks on major Airbus buy
The UK’s second largest full-service scheduled airline, bmi, has announced an accelerated programme to operate an all Airbus fleet by next year.
18 January 2005
Hewitt praises British firms behind Airbus A380
Trade and Industry Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, has praised the four hundred British manufacturing firms who helped to deliver the world's biggest civil aircraft, which has been unveiled in France. The building of the Airbus A380 was the largest civil aviation project in the world.
Hewitt praises British firms behind Airbus A380
Trade and Industry Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, has praised the four hundred British manufacturing firms who helped to deliver the world's biggest civil aircraft, which has been unveiled in France. The building of the Airbus A380 was the largest civil aviation project in the world.
14 November 2006
Easyjet profits rise by 56%
On the back of a 56% rise in profits and a record pre-tax profit of £129m, Easyjet has announced an expansion of its fleet. The low-cost airline said that passenger numbers were up by 11.5% to 33 million.
Easyjet profits rise by 56%
On the back of a 56% rise in profits and a record pre-tax profit of £129m, Easyjet has announced an expansion of its fleet. The low-cost airline said that passenger numbers were up by 11.5% to 33 million.
24 November 2011
Airbus Announces 200 Engineering Jobs
A total of 200 new jobs have been announced by Aircraft manufacturer Airbus for its base in Filton, near Bristol. According to the company on Thursday, the new engineering jobs are due to demand for its A350 passenger plane and government investment in the plant.
Airbus Announces 200 Engineering Jobs
A total of 200 new jobs have been announced by Aircraft manufacturer Airbus for its base in Filton, near Bristol. According to the company on Thursday, the new engineering jobs are due to demand for its A350 passenger plane and government investment in the plant.
19 February 2007
Airbus partners wrangle over cuts
Airbus partners are not expected to announce agreement on a restructuring programme as an overhaul of its business. Amid partner disagreement, the restructuring proposals have been put on hold despite costly overruns on new aircraft.
Airbus partners wrangle over cuts
Airbus partners are not expected to announce agreement on a restructuring programme as an overhaul of its business. Amid partner disagreement, the restructuring proposals have been put on hold despite costly overruns on new aircraft.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
