Air show veterans will recall the launch of the Airbus Industrie A300 in 1969... then raise a glass to the astonishing organisation celebrating its 30th anniversary at Le Bourget.
Airbus is here in style, with a pair of firsts - showing off the Airbus A319 Corporate Jetliner (A319CJ) and the latest aircraft to join the in-service fleet, the twin-engine A330-200 (both on static display).
Another air show favourite, the A300-600ST Beluga, is also in the static park, as well as taking its place in the spectacular Airbus eight-aircraft fly past.
Outward
Based on the A319 aircraft, the A319CJ can carry up to six extra fuel tanks - easily loadable via outward-opening doors - which give it impressive inter-continental range of 11,650km (6,300nm).
With eight passengers, the A319CJ can cover non-stop routes such as Paris to Singapore or Buenos Aires, Dallas to Tokyo or London, and New York to Seoul.
The fuel tank arrangement and the interior can be configured to enable the ACJ to be used in a number of roles, from carrying up to 60 passengers to specialist modules such as for the ambulance/medevac role.
The A319CJ will have approval for extended range twin-engine operations (ETOPS), reduced vertical separation minima (RVSM) and it has provision for the future air navigation system (FANS).
Automatic
Equipped with satellite communication and navigation systems, the A319CJ will be the first business jet certificated for Category 3B automatic landings in poor visibility.
The aircraft has the option of a four-wheel bogie undercarriage, allowing it to fly into and out of small airports with short runways.
The A319's cruise ceiling of 39,000ft (13,000m) has been increased to 41,000ft (13,500m) on the A319CJ.
Variety
Airbus also says the aircraft offers the widest cabin and the most headroom of any corporate aircraft, allowing for more variety in creating individual working and living spaces.
The interior can be configured to create separate office and conference accommodation, reception or presentation facilities for special events, or computing/ communications areas.
Away from the show, Airbus reports "steady progress" on engineering developments on the newest member of the A320 family, the 107-seat A318.
With around 125 orders and firm commitments, the aircraft is scheduled for first flight in the fourth quarter of 2001, with entry into service before the end of 2002.
It will be powered by the Pratt & Whitney PW6000, currently under development.
Source: Flight Daily News
