Boeing struggles with more delays Nov 15, 2008
Airbus was about two years late delivering its A380, which supplanted the 747 as the world's biggest passenger plane. Louis Gallois, chief executive of Airbus-parent EADS, said Friday that Airbus may not meet its goal of delivering 21 of the double-decker jets in 2009 because of lingering problems with cabin wiring, the same issue that caused the initial delay. (Seattle Post Intelligencer)
EADS Raises 2008 Forecast as A380 Deliveries Help Restore Quarterly Profit Nov 15, 2008
EADS Raises Forecast as A380 Helps Restore Profit (Update3) ... Nov. 14 (Bloomberg) -- , the owner of Airbus, said it will earn more this year than previously forecast after delivering more A380 superjumbos, contrasting with a production slowdown at ... Airbus, the world's biggest maker of commercial aircraft, has handed over nine double-decker A380s since late last year to customers including and Emirates. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Stocks Climb in Europe, Led by Shares of EADS, Vinci, BP, Anglo American Nov 15, 2008
The continent's largest aerospace company raised its 2008 earnings forecast after an increase in Airbus A380 deliveries and smaller charges helped restore profit in the third quarter. Vinci climbed 4. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Boeing delays rollout of new 747 Nov 15, 2008
It is Boeing's nearest competitor to the 500-plus seat A380, made by EADS unit Airbus. Boeing's stock was trading down $1. (Crain's Chicago Business)
EADS returns to profit but analysts see tough times ahead Nov 15, 2008
But at the same time, Derocles said that the company was unlikely to meet its target of delivering 21 A380 superjumbos - big orders that are already financed - in 2009. The EADS chief executive. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
EADS Reports Bigger-Than-Estimated Profit on A380s, No A400M Delay Charges Nov 14, 2008
Nov. 14 (Bloomberg) -- , the continent's largest aerospace company, returned to profit in the third quarter as it delivered more Airbus A380 superjumbo airliners. It raised its full-year profit forecast. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
EADS Takes A400M Hit but Raises 2008 Target Nov 14, 2008
EADS also acknowledged problems with "equipment and systems integration," a phrase echoing problems which were blamed for 2-year delays in its biggest civil project, the A380 superjumbo. It announced an accounting change pending clarification of the A400M schedule, which boosted revenues by altering the rate at which milestone payments are recognized. (ABC News -- Wire)
EADS Raises 2008 Earnings Forecast on Increased Deliveries, Reduced Costs Nov 14, 2008
EADS Raises 2008 Forecast as A380 Deliveries Restore Earnings ... Nov. 14 (Bloomberg) -- , the continent's largest aerospace company, raised its 2008 earnings forecast after an increase in Airbus A380 deliveries and smaller charges helped restore profit in the third quarter ... The division delivered 104 planes in the period, including eight A380s, versus 109 a year earlier. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
Mecachrome founding family ousted Nov 13, 2008
These challenges include delays of key customer projects, including the Airbus A380 and AS400M and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The company also has been hit by unfavourable currency exchange rates and the slowdown in the global economy and, of late, the auto sector, in particular. (Globe and Mail)
Magellan Aerospace Corporation announces financial results Nov 12, 2008
Notably, the Airbus A380 and F35 (Joint Strike Fighter program) are forecast to double production rates in 2009, and the Boeing B787 Dreamliner is forecast to enter service with airlines during 2009, and ramp up in production through 2009-2012. Civil aircraft and engine order books are at historically high levels, and could be expected to withstand some order cancellations with minimum impact. (Canada Newswire)
Mecachrome is facing considerable turbulence Nov 12, 2008
Delays in some of its biggest contracts, including the Airbus A380 and A400M programs and the Boeing 787, have weighed heavily on Mecachrome. The weakened U.S. dollar hit the company hard, as it reports results in euros. (The Gazette (Montreal))
CTRM wins contract Nov 10, 2008
The contract is to manufacture and supply the inboard inner fixed leading edge (IIFLE) D-nose CFC lower panel composites aero structures for the Airbus A380 aircraft, CTRM said in a statement. The company said the first delivery of the IIFLE D-Nose CFC Lower Panel for the Airbus A380 is expected by middle of 2009. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Rio Tinto Cuts New Zealand Aluminum Production After Transformer Failed Nov 10, 2008
The venture, which supplied metal for Airbus SAS's A380 jetliners, increased production of high-purity metal the past decade to maintain profits as New Zealand energy costs rose. In 2005, about a third of its output exceeded 99. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
China's large aircraft program targets at 150-seat model first Nov 5, 2008
An Airbus A380, the world's biggest jumbo jet, takes off on its first commercial flight from Singapore October 25, 2007. China will start its jumbo aircraft development program with a 150-seat model, one of the world's most popular types of jet, according to Zhang Qingwei, board chairman of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC). (Xinhuanet, China)
* Aerospace giants jet over to China Nov 4, 2008
The companys giant super-jumbo, the A380, will be on display at the China Air Show, as the company tries to take a bigger slice of the thriving market. Last year, Chinas air traffic soared 16. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
World's largest passenger jet appears in S China Nov 4, 2008
The Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger jet, lands at the Zhuhai Airport for the 7th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 3, 2008. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin). (Xinhuanet, China)
World's largest aircraft arrives Zhuhai for Airshow Nov 3, 2008
ZHUHAI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger jet, landed at Zhuhai Airport on Monday for the 7th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, which is taking place from Nov. 4 to 9 in the south China city of Zhuhai, Guangdong Province ... A380 MSN 001 will be on display and perform a daily demonstration flight from Nov. 4to 7 ... It is the second visit by the A380 MSN 001 to China. (Xinhuanet, China)
Changes at Malaysian Airline Nov 1, 2008
Despite slowing demand for air travel, MAS is still on schedule to take delivery of 35 B737 aircraft from September 2010 and six Airbus A380 from 2011. MAS in August said it was still targeting RM400mil to RM500mil profit this year. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
AirAsia X takes delivery of first Airbus A330 Nov 1, 2008
As for the A380, we will leave that to the other guys ... The A380 can seat more than 800 passengers when configured to its maximum capacity. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Jet With Broken Radar Flies Blind Over Pacific Oct 30, 2008
File: Qantas Airbus A380 at Sydney Airport. CANBERRA, Australia A Qantas airliner that discovered its weather radar was faulty tailed an Air New Zealand jet across the Pacific on a Wednesday flight from Los Angeles to Sydney, an official said. (Fox News)
Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2008 Financial Results; Includes Impact of Machinists Strike at Boeing Oct 29, 2008
Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: our ability to continue to grow our business and execute our growth strategy; the build rates of certain Boeing aircraft including, but not limited to, the B737 program, the B747 program, the B767 program and the B777 program, and build rates of the Airbus A320 and A380 programs; the success and timely progression of Boeing's new B787 and Airbus's new A350... (Canada Newswire)
Low fares to international cities from $99 Oct 28, 2008
Qantas can now lay claim to its own fleet of the much buzzed about Airbus A380 (the largest commercial jet in the world), and is celebrating by offering sale fares on its L.A. or San Francisco to Sydney route from just $380 each way. Nab the same low rate to Brisbane via San Francisco, or head to Sydney or Brisbane from the East Coast at New York from just $480 each way. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Nixon defends free flight to LA Oct 23, 2008
Ms Nixon and her husband, former Qantas executive John Becquet, were among the VIP guests on the inaugural flight of the airline's A380 Airbus to Los Angeles. Ms Nixon told journalists at Melbourne Airport on Thursday morning that in her seven-and-a-half years as the top cop she has maintained her integrity and that of the Victoria Police. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Inside The World's Most Luxurious Plane Oct 23, 2008
The Australian carrier started service of its highly anticipated A380 luxury aircraft this week ... At a press conference shortly after the flight, the massive A380 was said to revolutionize air travel the same way the 747 did in the 1960s and 1970s ... The airline calls the A380's Rolls Royce Trent 900 engine "the world's cleanest turbofan engine measured by emissions per pound of thrust.". (Forbes -- Technology)
Sky-high design Oct 23, 2008
Today, JetBlue unveils a new terminal at JFK Airport - one among dozens of new and renovated terminals around the world, designed to accommodate growing passenger volumes and outsized airliners such as the new 550-seat Airbus A380 ... (Emirates was one of the first to fly the Airbus A380, and its new terminal has five gates for the jumbo aircraft. (Globe and Mail)
Boeing to encourage local titanium beneficiation Oct 23, 2008
SAA has been in discussions with both Boeing and its European rival, Airbus, which uses titanium parts in its giant Airbus A380. Both Boeing and Airbus are already buying parts from local manufacturer Aerosud for millions of rands every year. (Business Report, South Africa)
Fatcat bosses targeted in global economic meltdown Oct 16, 2008
2 million in 2006, shortly after the maker of Airbus jets announced a series of costly delays to its A380 super jumbo jet program. The issue has taken on particular resonance in France, with its egalitarian ideals and cultural mistrust of extreme displays of wealth. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Fuel surcharges fall Oct 16, 2008
The A380 'superjumbo is the most efficient 'per passenger' airline in the skies. Airbus. (iAfrica.com)
Mecachrome cutting 120 more jobs Oct 16, 2008
Mecachrome has been hit by production delays of aircraft such as the Airbus A380, A400M and Boeing 787. Formula 1 racing's freeze in engine development and technical regulatory changes announced in late 2006 are also having an impact, because partners BMW and Toyota have decided to keep their work in-house. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Investigator: Faulty Computer Caused Qantas Jet Plunge Oct 15, 2008
File: Qantas Airbus A380 at Sydney Airport. CANBERRA, Australia A faulty computer unit likely caused a Qantas jetliner to experience two terrifying midair plunges within minutes last week, an Australian investigator said Tuesday. (Fox News)
A Peek Inside The Flying Palace Oct 15, 2008
What might the double-decker Airbus A380 look like once it takes to the skies ... And before the first Airbus double-decker A380--the world's largest passenger aircraft--even hit the tarmac last month, Reiner Heim had already dreamt up a VIP design for the super-jumbo, in partnership with maintenance and overhaul company Lufthansa Technik ... The A380 has more than 6,000 square feet of space on board, and can seat 900 passengers when configured for economy class. (Forbes -- Technology)
The Mile-High Building Club Oct 15, 2008
Last year, the major Citigroup (nyse: - - ) shareholder paid more than $320 million to buy a double-decker Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger aircraft. (See ). (Forbes -- Technology)
Thai investigators work to identify plane crash victims Oct 14, 2008
Oct 25 2007: The world's biggest passenger plane, the Airbus A380 superjumbo, completed its first commercial flight today. Here's a look at its maiden voyage in pictures. (Yahoo News -- Thailand)
Perth welcomes a flying giant Oct 14, 2008
Qantas A380 superjumbo arrives in Perth ... Qantas A380 makes a stop in Perth before its first commerical flight later this month ... A massive crowd of 1500 plane spotters saw Qantas's new Airbus A380 touch down for the first time at Perth International Airport today. (WA today)
Nobel prize winner won't be inviting Bush to the party Oct 14, 2008
" Bedside manner Hardly a month into her portfolio, Barbara Hogan, the new health minister, will be a respondent in a case that is expected to be filed by the National Convention on Dispensing (NCD) on behalf of disappointed doctors. The NCD, an advocacy body for dispensing doctors, has decided to take the same route many of its colleagues in the private healthcare sector have chosen when they felt their concerns had fallen on deaf ears: take the health department to court. In this case, the... (Business Report, South Africa)
Airbus tops Boeing in orders Oct 8, 2008
The Etihad order now being finalised includes 10 Airbus A380 superjumbos, but this will be partially offset by cancellation of an earlier order for four A380s from the same airline. At first Etihad had settled for four A380s originally used for flight testing but now it wants all brand-new jets, highlighting a growing rift in fortunes between fast-expanding carriers in the oil-rich Gulf and many floundering Western airlines. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Qantas Fliers Suffer Broken Bones in Mid-Flight Mayday Oct 8, 2008
File: Qantas Airbus A380 at Sydney Airport. Thirty-six people suffered broken bones and other injuries when a Qantas plane carrying more than 300 passengers was involved in a mid-air incident and was forced to make an emergency landing in Western Australia Tuesday, the Times of London reported. (Fox News)
Qantas Plane Had Glitch Before Terrifying Plunge Oct 8, 2008
File: Qantas Airbus A380 at Sydney Airport. SYDNEY, Australia Passengers told of terror in the sky when their Qantas Airways plane suddenly plunged nose-first over Australia, tossing travelers around the cabin, causing fractures, concussions and bruises. (Fox News)
A great year for corporate jets, even with muted forecast Oct 8, 2008
Lufthansa Technik has contracts to provide VIP interiors for two Airbus A380 superjumbo planes (list price, around $330 million without interior fixtures), and two A340s (list price, $225 million) by 2011. In Orlando, the company announced that it had new letters of intent to outfit interiors of three Boeing 747-800s (which cost about $260 million) and three Boeing 787s (not yet in service, but expected to cost around $170 million). (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Ryanair boss sets sights on no-frills transatlantic flights with ... Oct 8, 2008
However, analysts warned that he would struggle to elbow his way into the order book for the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the most advanced long-haul jets on the market, because delivery delays have created a significant backlog ... Oct 25 2007: The making of the Airbus A380 superjumbo. (guardian.co.uk)
* Aussie aviation pioneer, 92, has superjumbo named after her LQHDwkRW Oct 6, 2008
A 92-year-old Australian aviation pioneer had a huge new Qantas Airbus A380 named in her honor ... DwH@EQGDwkXWAq@[shA380jRWCoAoMwv[@IA~Fo@C. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Dubai aims to top its own world's tallest tower Oct 6, 2008
That's the height of more than 10 American football fields, 13 Airbus A380 "superjumbo" jets or three of New York's Chrysler Buildings stacked end-to-end. Babel had nothing on this place. (The Age, Australia -- National)
Airbus Executive Quizzed by French Police, Freed in Insider Trading Probe Oct 4, 2008
Oct. 3 (Bloomberg) -- Airbus executive , the former head of the A380 superjumbo jet program, was questioned and released by French financial police yesterday as part of an investigation into possible insider trading at parent company ... The probe focuses on executives who exercised stock options between late 2005 and June 2006, when an A380 delay announcement caused a record drop in EADS shares ... The case stems from production delays on Airbus's newest aircraft, the 525-seat A380, which... (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Qantas A380 superjumbo makes first landing in Melbourne Sep 25, 2008
The new Qantas A380 arrives in Sydney last weekend ... Video: The first Qantas Airbus A380 touches down in Sydney from Toulouse, France ... Qantas' new Airbus A380 roared over Melbourne this morning before touching down at Melbourne Airport for the first time. (The Age, Australia -- Opinion)
Qantas capital raising flagged Sep 24, 2008
Although the delay will not affect its longer-term plans to fund a $35 billion upgrade of its aircraft fleet - including 20 Airbus A380 superjumbos and 65 Boeing 787 Dreamliners - some analysts believe it may force Qantas to tap the market in order to keep its investment-grade credit rating. Moody's placed the airline's rating under review in June for a possible downgrade. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Qantas delays frequent flyer float Sep 24, 2008
Today's news of the delayed IPO comes after Qantas said it would expand its cut-price Jetstar operations in Australia and internationally, including boosting its order for the new Airbus A380. Qantas's first A380 double-decker jumbo flew into Sydney on Sunday from Toulouse. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Readers Poll: Business Travel Sep 24, 2008
Emirates is the first airline to offer service to and from the United States on the Airbus A380, with its New York-Dubai service, which began operation in August 2008. U.S. Routes Business/First ClassBased in San Francisco, Virgin America started flying in August 2007, travels to seven cities in the Lower 48, and has a frequent-flier program based on dollars spent on airfare rather than miles flown. (Concierge.com)
Third runway at Heathrow is a done deal Sep 23, 2008
- In 2006 the 105 million Pier 6, designed to accommodate the Airbus A380, was finished at Terminal 3. - In April 2007 a 285ft air traffic control tower was made operational, at a cost of 50million. (Times Online)
* Qantas first Airbus finally lands in Sydney Sep 22, 2008
A Qantas Airbus A380 is maneuvered into a hanger after landing at Sydney Airport in Australia yesterday, two years after the scheduled delivery ... Qantas Airways became the third airline to add an Airbus A380 to its fleet when its first super jumbo aircraft landed at Sydney airport yesterday, two years behind schedule ... Its one of the greatest experiences Ive ever had in my life flying the Qantas A380 down to Sydney, he said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Flights through Sydney tipped to rise by nearly half Sep 22, 2008
Aviation enthusiasts lined Airport Drive this morning to vitness the arrival of the first Qantas A380 airbus to Sydney ... The plan, released last week, forecasts as many as 93 A380 flights a day at the airport by 2029 ... "The A380 is already flying from Sydney Airport and the Boeing 787 will be introduced into service in the next couple of years. These aircraft will be significantly quieter than the aircraft they replace.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Making history flying like dad Sep 22, 2008
Video: The first Qantas Airbus A380 touches down in Sydney from Toulouse, France ... It was the airline's first Airbus A380 super-jumbo to arrive in Australia - albeit more than two years late - and at its controls was Captain Peter Probert, whose late father, Roly, flew Qantas's first Boeing 747 on its first flight to Australia 37 years earlier ... "It's special for me because of the history associated with it. It's just great to follow in his footsteps - I always wanted to fly like Dad,"... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Enders pledges to deliver 12 planes Sep 22, 2008
Airbus would meet its target of delivering 12 A380 superjumbo aircraft this year, chief executive Tom Enders said on Friday, brushing aside reports that manufacturing and engineering difficulties had again put the project behind schedule. The 525-seat A380 has been plagued by delays because of missteps, technical setbacks, communication failures and financial improprieties that have tarnished the image of the EU company ... Qantas chief Geoff Dixon said he was so pleased with the A380, he was... (Business Report, South Africa)
A380 superjumbo ushers in new era Sep 22, 2008
Sydney - Qantas landed its first A380 superjumbo in Sydney yesterday, hopeful that its arrival would boost the Australian carrier, which had recently faced a series of mechanical problems including a mid-air blast. The arrival of the first of the giant Airbus A380s, the world's largest passenger jet, comes as Qantas also battles rising fuel costs and global financial uncertainty ... Borghetti said that the A380s, which run on four Rolls-Royce engines and have a wingspan of about 80m, were... (Business Report, South Africa)
A-League round 4 Sep 21, 2008
A380 lands in Sydney ... A380 lands in Sydney. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Qantas' first Airbus lands at Sydney 2 years late Sep 21, 2008
SYDNEY, Australia (AP) Qantas Airways became the third airline to add an Airbus A380 to its fleet when its first super jumbo aircraft landed at Sydney airport Sunday two years behind schedule ... "It's one of the greatest experiences I've ever had in my life flying the Qantas A380 down to Sydney," he said ... The A380 has been in service since Singapore Airlines took delivery of the first of the double-decker A380 planes late last year. (USA Today -- Travel)
Super jet signifies new era for Qantas Sep 21, 2008
THE first Qantas A380 superjumbo will touch down in Sydney today following a handover ceremony at the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France ... Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon said the A380 was the biggest revolution in long-haul aviation travel since the introduction of the Boeing 747 in 1970 ... The A380 offered higher levels of passenger comfort with more space per seat, advanced cabin lighting designed to fight jet lag through simulated sunset and sunrise, reduced noise levels and... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Qantas plans to order more superjumbos Sep 21, 2008
Qantas' first Airbus A380 touched down in Sydney after two years of production delays, with the airline already planning to boost its order for the superjumbos ... "It's one of the greatest experiences I've ever had in my life, flying the Qantas A380 down to Sydney," said Capt Probert, whose father brought the first Boeing 747 into Australia in 1971 ... Qantas is already in talks to expand its order of A380s, chief executive Geoff Dixon said at the handover ceremony in Toulouse. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Qantas A380 touches down Sep 21, 2008
September 21 2008 The first Qantas A380 Airbus touches down in Sydney inbound from Toulouse, France. (Video Duration - 00:02:43). (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Australia's Qantas says A380 arrival heralds new era Sep 21, 2008
SYDNEY (AFP) - Qantas landed its first A380 superjumbo here on Sunday, hopeful that its arrival will boost the Australian carrier, which has recently faced a series of mechanical problems including a mid-air blast. The arrival of the first of the giant Airbus A380s, the world's largest passenger jet, in Australia comes as Qantas also battles rising fuel costs and global financial uncertainty ... Borghetti said the A380s, which run on four Rolls-Royce engines and have a wingspan of about 80... (Yahoo! Asia News)
Qantas A380 on its way to Sydney Sep 20, 2008
Qantas' first A380 is set to touch down in Sydney on Sunday morning, with the Australian airline already planning to boost its order for the superjumbos. Qantas is hoping the arrival of the A380 will shift the focus away from a series of mechanical problems that have plagued the carrier in recent months ... The 450-seat A380 left the Airbus delivery centre in the French city of Toulouse late on Friday and will touch down in Sydney at 0900 AEST on Sunday, after a stopover in Singapore. (The Age)
Qantas lands first Airbus 380 Sep 20, 2008
Photos: Qantas takes delivery of its first super jumbo, the Airbus A380. Photos: Qantas flight attendants get new uniforms to coincide with A380 superjumbo launch ... Take a look at Qantas' new interiors for the A380 superjumbo. (The Age, Australia -- National)
Flyers in for treat as superjumbo reaches the sky Sep 20, 2008
THE first Qantas A380 superjumbo will arrive in Sydney this morning after a spectacular delivery ceremony at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France ... Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon said the A380 ushered in the biggest change in long-haul air travel since the introduction of the Boeing 747 in 1970, which brought air travel to the masses ... Alan Joyce, who will take over from Mr Dixon as Qantas chief executive in November, says the A380 will deliver up to 25% improvement in fuel efficiency... (The Age, Australia -- National)
Airbus to Miss A380 Production Schedule Revised in May, La Tribune Reports Sep 19, 2008
Airbus Will Miss A380 Schedule Set in May, La Tribune Says ... Sept. 19 (Bloomberg) -- European Aeronautic, Defence & Space Co.'s Airbus SAS unit will miss the revised A380 delivery schedule given in May, reported, citing an unidentified person at the company ... The company will deliver between eight and 10 A380s this year, instead of the scheduled 12, and about 15 in 2009, and not 21, the newspaper said. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Airbus pledges to stick to A380 schedule Sep 19, 2008
Airbus will meet its target of delivering 12 A380 super jumbo aircraft this year, the company's CEO pledged Friday, brushing aside reports that manufacturing and engineering difficulties had again put the project behind schedule ... Enders spoke at a ceremony in the southern French city of Toulouse marking the hand-over to Australian carrier Qantas Airways of the first of the 20 A380s it has on order ... Qantas Chief Executive Geoff Dixon said the airline was forced to "aggressively" adapt its... (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Qantas's first Airbus A380 finally on its way Sep 19, 2008
Qantas's first Airbus A380 finally on its way ... But it will be all smiles today as Qantas finally takes delivery of its first flagship Airbus A380 in the European plane maker's home town of Toulouse ... It is due to go head to head with Singapore Airlines' A380 service on the Sydney-Singapore-London route from January. (The Australian)
