Airbus News - Official Thread

[GioFX]

Ok, we got two specific threads but we lacked a wide-angle news thread about the Airbus world, so here it comes boys!

Let's start with this hot news:

FlightGlobal.com: http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles...e+options.html


Easyjet firms up 52 Airbus A319s, takes 75 more options

UK budget carrier EasyJet has exercised options on 52 more Airbus A319 aircraft and taken options on a further 75 A320 family aircraft.

EasyJet initially ordered 120 A319s in December 2002, placing options on another 120 aircraft at the same time.

It firmed 20 of these options in December last year and today says it has exercised options on another 52 A319s, subject to shareholder approval. These aircraft are for delivery between 2008 and 2010. EasyJet’s A319 aircraft are powered by CFM International CFM56 engines.

The deal means 192 of the 240 aircraft covered by EasyJet’s original agreement with Airbus have been converted into firm orders, 88 of which have already been delivered.

EasyJet has also taken on options on 75 more A320 aircraft, taking its total options on A320 family aircraft to 123.

[GioFX]

Airbus chief salesman John Leahy has surgery, gives first interview since A380 crisis

http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles...ince+A380.html

Airbus’ chief salesman John Leahy has given his first interview since the emergence of the crisis in the A380 programme in June – telling the Seattle Times the launch of the A350-XWB, with a fully composite fuselage, is imminent and revealing that he has just had heart surgery.

Highlights of the wide-ranging interview with the Airbus chief operating officer – customers are:

- Imminent industrial launch of the A350-XWB with a carbonfibre-reinforced fuselage made from panels rather than a single piece like the Boeing 787.
Leahy, 56, had heart surgery two weeks ago and has been told to slow down.
- Concedes Boeing to outsell Airbus this year.
- Does not expect any further A380 order cancellations.
- Industrial launch of A330-200 freighter within months.

[GioFX]

From the Seattle Times interview with John Leahly:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...9_leahy15.html

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...eahyweb15.html


A350-XWB

We're about to have an industrial launch, I trust, on the A350-XWB, which required a quick redesign.

He confirmed the so-called A350-XWB, which will compete against Boeing's 787 and 777 jets, will likely have a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic fuselage similar to the 787's. But there will be a crucial difference, said Leahy.

To make repairs easier, Airbus will construct the fuselage with plastic panels rather than the huge, single-piece tubular sections Boeing is using.

"We're talking in a range of 50 percent [composites] by weight, similar to what Boeing is doing [in the 787].

"I've got 100 orders already for the A350. So far, I'm not finding anybody who wants to cancel their order."


Airbus A332F

"I would think you will see the industrial launch of an A330-200 freighter in the next few months.

"I have a few delivery positions that I'm marketing at the end of 2009 and 2010.


A380

"We have a way forward. ... We leave a lot of these customers speechless when we try to explain what happened and why it happened. But after all the yelling and screaming, people say, it looks like you've finally got it under control.


A32X

"Boeing has much more of a need to look at single aisle than we do.

"In all my travels around the industry, I get questions about 'When I can get A320 delivery positions?', not 'When are you coming out with an updated version?'

"We got caught napping on the 787. Don't expect we're going to fall into that trap twice

"We're taking the production up to 34 a month [on the A320 narrow-body jet family]. We're looking at even going higher. No one's ever done that before.


And last... about Boeing:

"On the industrial side, Boeing has been doing something right.

"And they've clearly got a leg up on us on the 787. We didn't see it coming. We didn't know the level of technology that they had."

"I'm not in an order race with Boeing. Which is what you would say if you were several hundred orders behind.

"When all is said and done, I think you'll see Airbus sitting between 40 percent and 60 percent of the market for the next five or six years. The last five years, we were above 50 percent.

[GioFX]

FightGlobal.com:

UK government backs Airbus greener, cheaper wing initiative, becoming 50% investor in initial phase

The UK government has become the largest investor in a €50 million ($65 million) Airbus-led initiative to develop a more environmentally-friendly and more cost-effective wing.

The UK is providing £17 million ($32 million) toward the three-year initial phase of the Integrated Wing Aerospace Technology Validation Programme developing new wing shapes to be incorporated in new Airbus aircraft designs from 2020. Of the remaining half of funding coming from industry, Airbus is expecting to contribute about €10.5 million and other partners the rest.

The first phase of the project will last three years and see Airbus and its partners from UK academia and industry as well as research centres integrating promising technologies related to wings, wing systems, landing gear and fuel systems.

Following phase one, the partners intend to go on to build a large scale physical demonstrator. The project currently involves around 50 Airbus staff in the UK but this is set to rise to around 100 as the project advances.

http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles...n+initial.html

[GioFX]

FlightGlobal.com:

http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles...o+variant.html

Airbus rethinks move to axe A300-600 Freighter after receiving increasing demands for cargo variant since March decision

By Max Kingsley-Jones

Manufacturer in talks with suppliers about relaunching production of all-cargo twinjet

Airbus could reverse its decision to cease production of the A300-600 Freighter, because of increasing demand for cargo capacity and continuing indecision over the launch of the A330-200F.

Airbus announced in March that it would close down the assembly line of the A300 - its original product - in mid-2007, but now confirms it has held preliminary talks with suppliers about reversing that plan. However, it insists no decision has been taken yet.

Airbus had said it would close the A300 assembly line in mid-2007



The closure plan came as the backlog (all for freighters) had fallen to fewer than 15 aircraft following UPS Airlines' decision to drop most of its outstanding orders in favour of a deal for 10 A380s.

But with the A300 backlog now at six aircraft and production running out at one unit a month, Airbus executive vice-president programmes Tom Williams says there have been "some people knocking on the door" for potential A300 orders, which has prompted Airbus to "hold talks with suppliers to see what would be required to relaunch production".

Speaking to Flight International in Paris at last week's A350 XWB launch briefing, Williams said: "If someone came along and said they'd order 50, then we'd put it back into production."

Other than the A380F, the A300-600F is the only new-build freighter in Airbus's product line-up, and although it has been intending to launch an all-freight version of the A330-200 to replace the A300, it is yet to firm up the plans.

Williams says that Airbus has "booked memorandums of understandings" with customers for the initial A330-200 positions it is offering at the end of 2009, and "has reserved a block of A330 production capacity" after that. But despite demand for the new freighter, Airbus has so far baulked at formally launching the A330-200F and taking firm orders for it.

Sources say this may be because the A330 passenger model's replacement - the A350 - will enter service several years later than planned when the A330-200F was first touted. The airframer wants to ensure it does not restrict supply of passenger A330s as it bridges the gap to the A350's introduction.

[The Chemist]

I think Airbus has turned a corner after a very tough 2006. The A380 is scheduled to be certified this week, and I think once it starts flying commercially, other big operators (BA, Cathay, Air China, maybe a Japanese airline, for example) will probably order some. BA especially won't want to see so many of its competitors flying into Heathrow with the 380 when they have none.

The A350 looks intriguing, and despite the fact that it's a few years behind the 787, that's a really big market sector and Airbus will be successful there if the 350 is as good a plane as it looks to be on paper. People need to remember that the 777 was launched a few years after the A340, and we all know who won that battle. I don't see why the 350 couldn't do the same thing.

[GioFX]

^ second that.

[sammyk]

The A350 could possibly do better than the 787 like the 777 did but what is the big advantage it has like the 777 did over the A340 (twin vs quad)?

[GioFX]

Flightglobal.com:

http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles...r+another.html

AirAsia orders 50 more Airbus A320s and options for another 50

Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia has placed a firm order for 50 Airbus A320 family aircraft, and placed options on a further 50 aircraft.

Deliveries of the aircraft will take place from 2008 and run through to 2013.

AirAsia has yet to confirm an engine selection but the airline has previously selected CFM International CFM56 powerplants for its A320s.

During last July’s Farnborough Air Show, AirAsia firmed up 40 A320 options and took an additional 30 options on the type – adding to a previous firm order for 60.

AirAsia operates a mix of A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft.

[bbeliko]

Interjet of Mexico just converted an option for 10 A320 into orders.

[GioFX]

FlightGlobal.com:

http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles...oI+for+20.html

US lessor Intrepid becomes launch customer for Airbus A330 Freighter with LoI for 20 A330-200Fs

US lessor Intrepid Aviation Group has signed a letter of intent with Airbus for the purchase of 20 A330-200 freighters.

Deliveries of the A330-200Fs are scheduled to begin in early 2010. It marks the first publicly announced commitment for the aircraft.

“When we shifted our focus a few years back to widebody freighters, we began to keep a close eye on Airbus,” says Intrepid Aviation chief executive Ron Anderson. “Throughout its history, Intrepid has maintained a focus on the world freighter market requirements and believes the A330-200F will address the significant needs of the industry in the decade beginning in 2010.”

Airbus, which has yet to formally launch the A330-200F, received authorisation to offer the A330 freighter last summer.
The aircraft will offer up to a 64t payload over 4,000nm (7,400km).

[GioFX]

Airbus Press Release:

India’s Flyington Freighters orders six Airbus A330-200 freighters

16 January 2007


Flyington Freighters Ltd, based in Hyderabad, India, have signed for six A330-200F aircraft, the newest freighter from Airbus and the newest member of the highly successful A330/A340 Family. Flyington Freighters Ltd is the first cargo airline to order the A330-200F, and the first aircraft will join the fleet in the second half of 2009.

"We are happy to be the first cargo airline to order the A330-200 Freighter. We ordered it because it offers us significant operational benefits and suits our business model. The aircraft offers economic advantages which make the A330-200F the best choice for us", said Mr. T Venkattram Reddy, Chairman, Flyington Freighters Ltd.

"India is one of the world's most important aviation markets right now and the development of locally based freight operations will play a big part in the growth of the region's cargo market. We are committed to a partnership with Flyington Freighters, now and in the future. The A330-200 freighter has more lift, more range and better flexibility than any other freighter in its class. We're delighted that Flyington Freighter Ltd is a launch customer", said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

The A330-200F is the only mid-size, long-haul all-cargo aircraft capable of carrying 64 metric tons over 4,000 nautical miles / 7,400 kilometers in "range mode" configuration, or 69 metric tons up to 3,200 nm / 5,930 km in "payload mode." The A330-200F offers 30 percent more volume than any freighter in its class.

One of the many advantages of the A330-200F is that it is the first freighter to introduce a versatile main-deck cargo loading system, which can accommodate both pallets and containers, enabling operators to service each of these very different markets.

The A330-200F is a derivative of the very popular A330 Family aircraft with more than 60 operators worldwide. With a large number of aircraft in service it will enable a smooth introduction of the new all-cargo variant into existing A330 fleets. The A330-200F will also benefit from, as all the other Airbus aircraft in production, the now well recognised Airbus Fly-By-Wire technology enabling faster pilot transition to and from other Airbus aircraft, both passenger and freighter.

Airbus is an EADS Company.


http://www.airbus.com/en/presscentre...Flyington.html

[GioFX]

(double post...)

[The Chemist]

Good news for Airbus. I wonder if FedEx will ever consider replacing their A300Fs, DC-10Fs and MD-11Fs with A330Fs.

[GioFX]

They will consider it for sure, along with the 767-300F.

[GioFX]

FlightGlobal.com:

Airbus share of civil airliner market slips to 43% as 2006 net orders number 790 aircraft, against 1,044 for Boeing

By David Kaminski-Morrow

European airframer Airbus has, as expected, failed to repeat its recent successes in its annual battle with Boeing having secured net orders for 790 aircraft in 2006, against 1,044 for its US rival – giving Airbus a market share of 43%.

Airbus declared its total at a press briefing in Paris today. The manufacturer gained gross orders for 824 aircraft. It is also claiming 434 deliveries with a combined value of €26 billion ($33.5 billion). Boeing delivered 398 aircraft.

The European firm struggled against Boeing during the first half of last year but made up ground in the second half, although this was largely due to strong Airbus A320-family sales.

Airbus has been relatively weak in the widebody market owing to the winding-down of A300 production, poor sales of the A340, and last year’s uncertainties over the A380 and A350 programmes.

Chief executive Louis Gallois, speaking at the Paris event, said: “Contrary to expectations 2006 was an outstanding year for the industry as a whole.”

He says that, despite being unable to market the A350 owing to its late industrial launch, Airbus has turned in an “excellent” performance.

Gallois adds that Airbus will be able to mount a stronger challenge against Boeing this year, stating: “It will be different in 2007.”

EADS has today issued a warning that Airbus would make a loss this year owing to one-off payments related to customer settlements, charges over the A380 project, and the company’s new ‘Power8’ efficiency scheme.



http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...t-against.html

[GioFX]

FlightGlobal.com:

Analysis: Airbus figures show share of widebody orders rising six percentage points, despite backlog share falling

By Justin Wastnage
There is light at the end of the tunnel for Airbus, which earlier today conceded defeat to rival Boeing on total civil airliner orders for 2006, with analysis of its 2006 orders and deliveries showing the European airframer catching up with the US company on orders forlucrative widebody aircraft.

Net 2006 orders for the A300, A330 family, A340 family, A350 and A380 variants together stood at 137, down six units from last year's total of 143. This compares with 315 widebody units sold by Boeing of the 747-400, 747-8, 767, 777 and 787 types, down from 447 in 2005. This represents a share of 51% in 2006 for Airbus, down from 59% last year

Airbus's share of the high-value twin aisle airliner market has increased to 30% compared with Boeing's 70%. This is a rise from 24% in 2005, with 103 sales of A330 variants contributing. However, Airbus has seen its share of the backlog of the high value category decline five percentage points to 39% at the end of last year from 44% at 31 December 2005.

In backlog terms, Airbus has 567 widebodies at the end of 2006, up from 525 at the same time last year, while Boeing's backlog of aircraft on order yet to be delivered stood at 895 units at the end of 2006, compared with 671 at the end of 2005. This gives Boeing a 61% share of the total 1,462-aircraft widebody backlog.

Finally, Airbus delivered 95 widebodies last year, six more than the 89 in 2005, while Boeing delivered 91 units up from 63 last year, moving Boeing's share of deliveries from 41% in 2005 to 49% last year.

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Rest of the article here:

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...s-despite.html

[GioFX]

Airbus Press Release:

Airbus A330-200 freighter receives industrial go-ahead

17 January 2007

Airbus was given the go-ahead from the Board of Directors of its parent company EADS for the industrial launch of its wide-body A330-200 Freighter aircraft, for which it has already received 26 commitments from two customers.

Following its commercial launch last summer, the decision for the industrial launch of the A330-200F is based on a strong market demand for over 400 freighters in the 60 plus tonne category over the next 20 years. The A330-200 freighter is the only mid-size, long-haul all-cargo aircraft capable of carrying 64 tonnes over 4,000nm / 7,400 km, or 69 tonnes up to 3,200nm / 5,930 km in payload mode configuration. Entry into service of the first A330 freighter is planned for the second half of 2009.

Airbus President and CEO, and co-CEO of EADS Louis Gallois welcomed the industrial launch of the A330 freighter: ”With the A330-200F, Airbus is well placed to satisfy a large percentage of the market demand by offering superior main- and lower-deck hold flexibility than the competition, while providing more range and 21 per cent more lift. Moreover, this freighter flies 20 per cent further and has a cost per tonne 13 per cent lower that its direct competitor. We are convinced it will be a best “seller”,“ he said.

In addition to the much needed replacement of older mid-size aircraft, the range of the A330-200F will offer airlines the opportunity to ramp-up services, in low frequency long-haul markets currently served with Boeing the 747F, develop new routes, and respond to market growth.

Flexibility has been further enhanced on the A330-200F with the introduction of a versatile main-deck cargo loading system, which can accommodate both pallets and containers, enabling operators to service each of these very different markets. This versatility offers several different arrangements on the main deck, taking up to 23 Side-by-Side (SBS) pallets, aimed at the high volume, high value commodities or Single Row (SR) loading of 16 pallets (96”x 96”x125” SR pallets) and/or nine AMA containers aimed at the general cargo higher density markets.

The A330-200F is a derivative of the very popular A330 Family operated by more than 60 operators worldwide. This will greatly facilitate the entry into service of the new all-cargo variant into existing A330 fleets. As for all other Airbus aircraft currently in production, the A330-200F will also benefit from full operational commonality unique to Airbus thanks to the now well recognised Airbus Fly-By-Wire technology which also enables faster pilot transitioning to and from other Airbus aircraft, both passenger and freighter.

[GioFX]

From Airbus.com

Giving birth to a new Airbus

17 January 2007

Referring to EADS's profit warning, Louis Gallois confirmed that Airbus would most probably deliver a negative EBIT for 2006. Nevertheless he said: "For Airbus, 2006 was the best year ever in terms of deliveries and the second best year in terms of sales." Airbus' net order intake for last year is of 790 aircraft and the company delivered a record number of 434 aircraft, leading to a turnover of around 26 billion euros.

Louis Gallois added: "Our backlog is the highest ever in the industry. We have 2,533 aircraft on firm order still to be delivered... making for about five years of production".

Airbus expects to deliver up to 450 aircraft in 2007 and is therefore planning a further ramp-up of production from 32 to 36 aircraft per month for single-aisles and from 8 to 9 for the A330/A340s.

However the turbulences experienced last year with the A380 programme and the launch of the new A350XWB are making it imperative for Airbus to change through the implementation of the Power 8 programme. "Power 8 is not only a cost-cutting programme. It calls for a complete integration and restructuring of the company and of its industrial set-up," Louis Gallois stated.

In addition to Power 8, he listed some of the challenges ahead of the company, first of all "to restore confidence with our customers and our suppliers by delivering on promises". Other challenges include the successful delivery of the first A380 to Singapore Airlines, the ramp-up of the single-aisle and long-range production lines, the A400M, the development of the A350XWB, and the environment. He also announced the industrial launch of the A330-200F, which has received its first commitments.

Confirming the commitment of the entire Airbus management to the success of Power 8 for which some 'quick wins' are already being implemented Fabrice Brégier stressed the lessons learnt from the experience of the A380 and the need for a total integration of Airbus in all its functions and operations. "We have to change the culture to make sure we work as a team. The management is totally dedicated to it," he said.

Playing one nationality against another was "a poison for Airbus" said Louis Gallois, who added: "We have an opportunity to change that now and we'll seize it."

Summing up, Louis Gallois underlined that the current challenges offer Airbus an opportunity to become stronger and stated his confidence in the "birth of a new Airbus, faster, more efficient and integrated, more global... In a nutshell a more competitive Airbus,... which will benefit all our stakeholders. We are fully determined to build this new Airbus," he concluded.

[GioFX]

There are strong rumors that Aeroflot reeched an agreement with Airbus for an order of 15 A330 and 22 A358...