When the no. 1 A320 performed its maiden flight 30 years ago today, few could have predicted how this single-aisle jetliner would transform the air transport industry – and Airbus itself. The A320’s initial liftoff, performed from France’s Toulouse-Blagnac Airport adjacent to Airbus headquarters, opened new standards with the...

When Airbus’ Beluga XL oversize cargo airlifter enters service, it will have the same visual appeal as its well-loved predecessor – the A300-600ST Super Transporter, more commonly known as the Beluga ST – thanks to the design of its nose and main cargo door. The whale-like face that earned the original Beluga its nickname is iconic –...

With start-up companies increasingly driving innovation in various research and technology domains worldwide, Airbus has launched multiple initiatives – including a team called “start-up 2 partner” – to tap into this productive business dynamic. Embedded within Airbus as part of the company’s Innovation department, the “start-up 2...

Airbus has a long history of pioneering advanced technology that creates new and better ways for people to fly – and now, with one new facility, innovation at Airbus has never sounded so good. This resource is an acoustic lab in Hamburg, Germany that for the first time allows it to investigate cabin noise and vibrations using a representative...

The opening of the Farnborough International Airshow kicked off a “new” day for Airbus with the company highlighting its new engine option (NEO) single-aisle and widebody aircraft, as well as announcing new orders and unveiling its latest global market forecast. “Xtra, Xtra”: New commercial activity  The day’s commercial activity...

With development of the new Beluga XL airlifter, Airbus is creating a platform tailored to meet its evolving transport needs in the decades to come – particularly to support future production ramp-ups for the company’s range of modern single-aisle and widebody jetliners. The Beluga XL programme was launched in November 2014, with this...

The Farnborough Airshow has a reputation for attracting the most innovative ideas from the aerospace industry, so it is appropriate that Airbus’ new cabin concept “Airspace by Airbus” was in focus all week. Airspace was highlighted on Day 4, when the company also wrapped up its Farnborough Airshow commercial activity with $35 billion of...

In the next 20 years (2016-2035), according to Airbus’ Global Market Forecast, passenger traffic will grow at an average 4.5% a year, driving a need for over 33,000 new aircraft above 100 seats (32,425 passenger & 645 freighters greater than 10 tonnes) worth US$5.2 trillion. By 2035, the world’s aircraft fleet will have doubled from...

A small-sized pilotless aircraft made using 3D printing (additive layer manufacturing) processes is showcasing Airbus’ pioneering and innovative spirit. Airbus is using this mini aircraft project – known as THOR (Testing High-tech Objectives in Reality) – as a testbed for futuristic aircraft technologies: from 3D-printed structural parts to...

The A350 XWB ushered in a new era of medium- and long-haul flight operations with its 2014 service entry. In addition to raising the bar for aircraft efficiency and meeting the rising expectations of passengers worldwide, Airbus’ game-changing twin-aisle jetliner also brought about enhanced guidelines for managing in-service damage – directly...

Airbus’ cabin interior arrangement team is turning airlines’ ideas into real solutions – and bringing the superior cabin experience of an Airbus aircraft to passengers around the world. This dedicated team of some 20 members works in close collaboration with customers and the Airbus marketing department to ensure that each cabin layout...

Jet Aviation Basel was recently appointed by Airbus Corporate Jets to design and render a VIP cabin interior for an Airbus ACJ350, the new generation composite aircraft by Airbus, that visited Geneva during EBACE 2016. Airbus brought to Geneva during EBACE 2016 a flight-test A350 to show selected visitors, and presented a gallery of cabin...

For the fifth time, Airbus challenges students worldwide to innovate for the future of aviation by launching the latest Fly Your Ideas competition. Airbus Fly Your Ideas is a unique global student competition, designed to establish a strong and lasting relationship between Airbus and the next generation of innovators. Every two years, the...

When you’re a world-leading manufacturer of commercial aircraft, staying one or more steps ahead of the competition is critical. And because there is no magic “crystal ball” that can predict aviation trends short- or long-term, Airbus relies on an empowered Strategy team that influences all aspects of the company and its global...

In what will become an increasingly familiar occasion, Airbus has delivered another “made in America” A320 Family jetliner from its final assembly line in Mobile, Alabama – marking the second such handover from the facility, and underscoring the company’s continuing focus on internationalisation. The aircraft – an A321ceo (current...