Airbus is in celebratory mood at Asian Aerospace following a landmark year in which for the first time it beat Boeing in terms of both output and orders.
The firm (Chalet D1-3 and Stand A701) has other reasons to be cheerful: despite a crisis year in the Asia-Pacific airline industry, Airbus still secured 30% of its orders from the region; Singapore Airlines became the first airline from the region to begin operating the ultra long-range Airbus A340-500; and Dragonair of Hong Kong seems set to add up to six A330-300s to its fleet.
And this year is already destined to be another landmark for the firm with the A380 super-jumbo scheduled to be rolled out by year end prior to first flight in early 2005.
Airbus has pledged to retain its orders and deliveries lead over Boeing, having made the historic breakthrough in 2003. The European manufacturer secured 284 orders worth around $33 billion and delivered 305 aircraft.
Despite the SARS virus that panicked parts of the region and had a devastating impact on the airline business in Asia-Pacific, Airbus still managed to secure 87 firm orders from 11 customers.
Delivery
They included orders for the A380 from Korean Air and Malaysia Airlines, together with orders for the A340-500/600 from Thai Airways.
Singapore Airlines became the first customer from the region to take delivery of the A340-500 ultra long-range aircraft.
The A380 is now fast taking shape at the final assembly line in Toulouse, with major components being transported there by ship, river barge and road.
Regional firms are having an input into the programme. At the end of last year, Composites Technology Resources Malaysia delivered the first set of A380 components to Airbus. Industrial collaboration on the A380 also involves Japanese companies.
Source: Flight Daily News
