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Aviation History
2001
2001 - 2419.PDF
Winner Airbus Achievement Launch of the A380 Airbus is aiming to set new standards with the A380 Airbus launched the double-decker A380 last June, just 12 months after the manufacturer started assessing market demand for the all-new aircraft and only six months after authorisa tion to offer the aircraft was approved by the Airbus board. In record time, the manufacturer secured 50 firm commitments and 42 options from six customers, forming the launch base for the aircraft. Securing this order base was the result of intensive market research by the manu facturer, involving 20 airlines, 50 airports, airworthiness authorities and industrial partners. The result will be, according to Airbus, the most spacious and advanced civil aircraft ever built. The judges were unanimous in their selection of the A380 as the winner of the Air Transport category. As one judge commented: "The launch of the A380 in my view is the most significant development of the past 12 months to impact the commercial aviation sector. In terms of new design, latest technology, capacity and range, this aircraft is setting a new standard for the twenty-first century." Another judge believes that the man ufacturer's "effort has been awesome in moving the industry to the next level of mass transportation". The A380 is an aircraft designed for the twenty-first century, according to the manufacturer It is being designed to offer all of the advantages of a completely new design while extend ing the benefits of Airbus commonality to the very large aircraft sector. Built to the latest certification requirements, the A380 will make use of the most advanced technologies in materials, systems and industrial processes to provide high passenger comfort and operating economics, and to meet environmental requirements, says the manufacturer Airbus is aiming to set new standards with the A380, to pro vide a technology platform from which all future aircraft programmes will evolve. The A380 is being designed to carry 555 passengers in three classes over 14,800km (8,000nm) or 150t of cargo over 10,400km. It will provide 15% to 20% lower operating costs than the largest aircraft flying today and 10% to 15% more range, as well as lower fuel burn, less noise and lower emissions, claims the manufacturer. With 49% more usable floor space and only 35% more seating, the A380 will also provide passengers with wider seats and aisles, open spaces and access to lower deck amenities. Airbus believes the A380 provides the best solution to growing air travel between major hubs in today's increasingly congested air traffic environment. The A380 will be a global product, with components supplied from 1,500 companies worldwide. The pro gramme is expected to generate direct and indirect employment for up to 225,000 people. Rolls-Royce and General Electric-Pratt & Whitney joint venture the Engine Alliance will supply the power- plants, while Airbus has signed framework agreements with nine risk-sharing partners to date - AIDC, Alenia, Belairbus, Finavitec, GKN Westland Aerospace, Hurel-Dubois, Latecoere, Saab and Stork Aerospace. Airbus has now taken more than 60 orders for the ultra-large aircraft. FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL
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