The Airbus

The Airbus company is an aircraft manufacturing subsidiary which is 80% owned by EADS and 20% by BAE Systems. As of July 2008 Airbus have manufactured at least nine different models of the Airbus aircraft as well as the variants of each model.

Airbus is based in Toulouse, France and has three other manufacturing plants in Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain. Generally speaking, each country manufactures certain components of each aircraft and then transports them to Toulouse and Hamburg, Germany.

Discover the history, designs, dimensions and seating arrangements of each aircraft:-

The Airbus A300 was the first of the wide bodied twin engined aircraft manufactured worldwide.

A popular choice of aircraft amongst several airline companies.

Many technological breakthroughs were introduced with this aircraft and continued throughout the Airbus models.

Airbus A310 was Airbus' second aircraft manufactured.

It has a shortened wide body, twin engines and is capable of flying 250 passengers a range of 7,300 kms.

This has been a very popular choice amongst the airline companies with 26 different airlines purchasing.

Several defense forces have also purchased the A310 for troop carrying or transporting equipment.

Airbus A319 is very similar to the Airbus A320, the A319 is a smaller aircraft capable of flying 6,850 kms.

The A319 has two variants - the A319CJ Corporate Jet and the A319 LR Long Range aircraft. Several airlines have chosen the LR to operate as a high level Business Class aircraft.

Airbus A320 is possibly the most popular aircraft for Airbus the A320 is mid sized and capable of carrying up to 180 passengers a range of 5,400 kms.

The A320 was the first in the family to be manufactured followed by the A321, A319 and finally the A318.

Airbus A321

is the largest of the four models in the A320 family.

Again a popular choice amongst Airbus' customers with several aircraft being purchased worldwide. Some of these customers are Air France, Lufthansa and US Airways.

The A321 has a top speed of 870 km/h (Mach .82) and carries 220 passengers.

The Airbus A330 is a twin engined, medium to long range aircraft.

Airline companies which at the time were flying DC-10s purchased the A330 as it burned 40% less fuel than their current aircraft.

The A330-200 could be manufactured by Airbus for passenger, cargo or tanker use by their customers.

Again this aircraft was a popular choice amongst the airline companies worldwide.

Airbus A340 is the first four engined wide bodied aircraft built by Airbus.

The aircraft had a delayed introduction into service finally entering in 1993.

There are four variants of the A340 one of which is no longer in production.

Airbus A350 was introduced in December 2006 and is yet to have it's maiden flight. Availability of this aircraft is in 2013.

The A350 is an aircraft designed with customer requirements and passenger comfort included across all three variants.

The top speed of this aircraft is expected to be at 945 km/h (Mach .89).

Airbus A380 The Very Latest. It is very difficult not to get excited about the A380 Airbus.

This aircraft is capable of carrying up to 853 passengers on two decks throughout it's entire length.

The A380 oozes comfort, comfort and brings more comfort into the future of commercial passenger flying.

Airbus vs Boeing

The competition between Airbus and Boeing is immense and intense which in the long run benefits the passengers.

Airbus themselves have introduced wide bodied commercial aircraft, glass cockpits, fly by wire systems and competition itself to Boeing. The natural result is each manufacturer has to be able to design, introduce and produce aircraft that benefit the airline companies (their customers), the passengers and the environment.

The airline companies require a variety of aircraft:-

Short, medium and long haul capabilities.

Small, medium and large aircraft.

A mixed combination of the above; i.e medium size, short haul; small size, medium haul etc.

The passengers requirements in an aircraft are also many and varied:-

Comfort.

Safety and security.

Service.

When any aircraft is manufactured, these requirements and more are at the top of the design pages. Failure to address these produces an unprofitable result and a very expensive one at that.

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