Federal Express has become the launch US operator and the first customer for the freighter version of the Airbus A380. Virgin Atlantic's conversion of its expression of interest for six of the ultra-large aircraft into firm orders has given Airbus the 50 commitments it needed to give the $11 billion project the green light. The FedEx deal takes A380 orders to 60. The structure of Airbus will soon be changed from an economic grouping to the Airbus Integrated Company with two shareholders - EADS with 80% and BAE Systems with 20%.
Source: Airline Business
