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.
Air France’s Philippe Durand (at left) and Airbus Director Contractual Acceptance Uwe Schunke mark delivery of the 500th produced A321 in Hamburg, Germany (27 February 2009)
Korean Air is the first customer for Airbus’ new 238-tonne increased take-off weight version of the A330-200, which offers an extended flying range of up to 7,200 nautical miles (27 February 2009)
Airbus Senior Vice President Contracts Christophe Mourey (at left) and Dragon Aviation Leasing CEO Jean-Louis Chevrot mark delivery of the lessor’s first of 13 ordered A320s (24 February 2009)
Korean Air's firm orders for two additional A380s brings the total number of Airbus 21st century flagship aircraft ordered by this carrier to 10 (3 February 2009)
Singapore Airlines has expanded its Airbus fleet with the carrier’s first A330-300, which will be deployed on regional and medium haul routes (21 January 2009)
Posing for journalists at Airbus' annual press event are (from left to right): COO Fabrice Brégier; President & CEO Tom Enders; Tom Williams, Executive VP Programmes; and John Leahy, COO - Customers
During Airbus' annual press conference on 15 January 2009, President and CEO Tom Enders (at right) underscored the company's readiness to meet the market challenges of 2009 and beyond
President & CEO Tom Enders (left, with John Leahy, COO - Customers) said the 777 net orders booked by Airbus in 2008 represented an "impressive performance" (15 January 2009)
