Source: China Daily Author: Meng Xin 06/18/2009
Subject Concerned: Aircraft
As Airbus kicks off the celebration of its 40 years of innovation, the first A320 assembled by Airbus A320 Family Final Assembly Line China (FALC) in Tianjin - the company's first production line outside Europe - will be delivered to the Beijing-based Dragon Aviation Leasing and then be leased to Sichuan Airlines.
Back in May 1969, French Minister of Transport, Jean Chamant, and German Minister of Economic Affairs, Karl Schiller, signed an agreement for the joint-development of the A300 aircraft, the first European twin-aisle twin-engine jet for medium-haul air travel.
Tom Enders, Airbus president and CEO says: "40 years ago - in May 1969 - the commercial jet aircraft market was entirely dominated by the US industry. Giving the go-ahead for the A300 was a bold strategic decision. The pioneering spirit of our engineers, as well as Airbus' continuous pursuit of innovation and international cooperation, has made us a global market leader and, at the same time, a symbol of successful European cooperation.
"The phrase 'New Standards Together' is our guiding principle and from now on this new tagline that will keep us moving forward."
An important milestone for Airbus' 40 years of innovation was the launch of the A320 Family aircraft. The A320 Family includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321. Each aircraft features fly-by-wire controls and all share a unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range.
The A320 Family is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. More than 6,300 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and more than 3,800 delivered to some 300 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world's best-selling commercial jetliner ever.
Airbus continues to invest in the A320 Family, spending around EUR100 million (US$138.67 million) a year in engineering work, introducing many innovations in new technology to maintain its position as the most advanced and fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft family.
Recent improvements include an all new cabin, cleaner aerodynamics for reduced fuel burn and emissions, together with engine improvements for lower maintenance costs and fuel burn.
Improvements
Airbus introduced a brand-new cabin for its A320 Family aircraft in 2007, one that has been designed to meet the needs of today's and tomorrow's airline travelers, whilst bringing the passenger experience to new levels of satisfaction for aircraft in its category.
The new cabin offers passengers a bright new look, a 15 percent increase in usable overhead stowage capacity, one inch more room at shoulder level in some locations, dramatic LED ambience lighting options and a noticeable reduction in noise.
In addition, LEDs feature on the new optional continuous grip rail with enlarged seat row indicators meaning that passengers can more easily identify their seats.
"The new cabin for the A320 Family is a very significant improvement. It not only improves the space and ambience for passengers, their carry-on baggage and the crew, but it also reduces the aircraft weight, while improving passenger comfort," says Stuart Mann, director of product marketing for the A320 Family.
The year 2009 will see the introduction of the A318 using its new "steep-approach" capability at London City Airport, making the A318 the largest aircraft in scheduled operation from this airport and linking this business-dominated downtown airport with New York City's JFK.
Famed for lower maintenance costs and increased maintenance intervals, Airbus' A320 Family operators can now benefit from lower maintenance costs thanks to increased intervals between maintenance checks approved by both the European and North American aviation airworthiness authorities.
The time intervals between principal maintenance checks have recently been extended by 20 percent.
Furthermore, work is underway to further improve the intervals in some areas with one package planned at the end of 2009 and another for introduction at the end of 2010.
In addition to these increased time intervals, Airbus has created "standard maintenance packages" based on typical annual usages of such aircraft, which tend to range from 1,800 to 3,500 flight hours a year.
Operators can develop their maintenance schedule based on the ready-made package that most closely matches the utilization of their aircraft. This allows them to streamline their maintenance procedures and costs.
Mann says: "Ensuring that the A320 remains competitive and the best aircraft in its market remains one of our key tasks at the moment. Indeed, the A320 Family has always been the best single-aisle aircraft in its class. Airbus' continuous development and innovation will see that it stays where it belongs - at the top."