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Continuing the momentum (2013)

Higher production goals, while new aircraft take shape (2012) 
Airbus’ 2013 planning includes a further production boost for the company’s A330 mid-size widebody jetliner.

Airbus carried its high level of programme and commercial activity into 2013 – targeting new milestones that include the start-up of A350 XWB flight testing, a further ramp-up in A330 production, and the implementation of deliveries for the A400M military airlifter.

This maintains the momentum of 2012 – during which Airbus outperformed on its internal business goal by winning 914 gross orders for the company’s jetliners (which was 40 per cent above the internal target), and reaching a record number of annual new deliveries by providing 588 aircraft to customers during the year.

The positive results achieved over the past 12 months positioned Airbus at the start of 2013 with a backlog of 4,682 aircraft, marking a new industry-wide record.

Readying the A350 XWB for flight

One of the key Airbus milestones for 2013 will be the A350 XWB’s maiden takeoff – targeted in the summer, following a successful full electrical power-up of the no. 1 flight test aircraft in December 2012 on the Toulouse final assembly line.  This aircraft is an A350-900 – the mid-sized member in Airbus’ family of the A350-800, -900 and -1000 versions.

Another major step was taken toward the A350 XWB first flight with type certification of the next-generation jetliner’s Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine – which was awarded by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) during February. This approval covers engines for the A350-800 and A350-900 models, and confirms they have fulfilled EASA’s airworthiness requirements for flight. 

The A400M is prepared for military service

The first production A400M airlifter is displayed in French Air Force colours outside of Airbus Military’s final assembly line in Seville, Spain.

Another highlight on Airbus’ 2013 calendar is the upcoming delivery start-up for Airbus Military-built A400M military airlifters – providing a cost-effective, high-speed aircraft designed to meet the harmonised needs of European NATO nations, as well as the requirements of international air forces. 

The A400M programme marked a key milestone during January with unveiling of the no. 1 production aircraft in colours of the French Air Force, which is the initial customer scheduled to receive this next-generation, multi-role aircraft.  

During the year, Airbus Military plans deliveries of three A400Ms to the French Air Force, along with one aircraft for the Turkish Air Force.

The enduring A330 “success story”

As the A330 maintains its popularity with airline customers and lessors around the world, a further production boost will raise the output rate to 10 aircraft per month in the second quarter of 2013.  This ongoing “success story” at Airbus is further bolstered by the increased 242 metric tonne maximum takeoff weight variant – launched by the company in 2012 – which extends the jetliner’s range by 450 nautical miles.

Supporting the global customer base

With more than 7,500 aircraft in operation around the globe for 500 customers and operators, Airbus remains committed to growing the company’s portfolio of support and services that help operators keep these jetliners flying safely and profitably.

Included in these offerings is Airbus’ Flight Hour Services (FHS) programme, a cost-effective maintenance outsourcing option to secure aircraft technical performance with minimal risk and investment – delivering modular solutions that range from material supply and repair to full maintenance. 

In addition to the more than 100 A330, A340 and A380 family jetliners covered by Airbus Flight Hour Services, the FHS solution was extended to Airbus’ best-selling A320 Family in January 2013 with a 15-year Tailored Support Package contract inked with Thai Airways International (THAI), in support of its THAI Smile subsidiary.

Higher production goals, while new aircraft take shape (2012) The narrative