Less than three years after its industrial launch, Airbus' A350 XWB surpassed the 500-order milestone with Ethiopian Airlines' firm order for 12 of these next-generation aircraft, which was announced at the 2009 Dubai Airshow. This new Airbus customer will operate the A350-900 version from its hub in the capital city of Addis Ababa on routes to Europe, the U.S. and Asia - bringing a new level of passenger comfort and fuel efficiency to its expanding operations. Firm orders for the A350 XWB now stand at 505 aircraft from 32 customers worldwide.
Executives from Airbus, Air France KLM and Engine Alliance tour the cabin of Air France’s initial A380, delivered during a 30 October 2009 ceremony in Hamburg, Germany
Following its handover during a 30 October 2009 ceremony at the Airbus delivery centre in Hamburg, Germany, the Air France A380 takes off for Paris with invited guests aboard
Air France Chief Executive Officer Pierre-Henri Gourgeon praises the A380’s operational efficiency at the 30 October 2009 delivery ceremony of the first Airbus 21st flagship jetliner to the airline
Tom Enders, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer, addresses attendees during the 30 October 2009 delivery ceremony of the first A380 to European launch customer Air France in Hamburg, Germany
Top executives from Airbus, Air France KLM and Engine Alliance are joined by Air France cabin attendants at the conclusion of the 30 October 2009 delivery ceremony of the airline's first A380
Air France will become Europe's first airline to fly the A380 on scheduled service after receiving its no. 1 aircraft during a 30 October 2009 delivery ceremony in Hamburg, Germany
Air France will become the first operator to offer A380 service between Europe and the Americas when it begins flying this jetliner on the Paris-New York route in November (30 October 2009)
Top executives from Airbus, Air France KLM and Engine Alliance mark the handover of the French airline’s first A380 on 30 October 2009 at Airbus’ Hamburg, Germany delivery centre
The A380 taxis out for its departure to Air France's Paris hub at Charles de Gaulle International Airport after the delivery ceremony for this jetliner in Hamburg, Germany (30 October 2009)
James Moravecek, Engine Alliance President, speaks during the 30 October 2009 delivery ceremony of Air France’s first A380 – which is powered by four of the company’s GP7200 engines
