With a 50-year track record of innovation, technological firsts and industry milestones, Airbus is a leader in designing, manufacturing and delivering aerospace products, services and solutions to a customer base that spans the globe – with operations for commercial aircraft, helicopters, defence, space and security.

Take a journey through some of the highlights of our company from the past 50 years, and learn more about Airbus’ continuing success story with the extensive 'History In Depth' pages below.

  

 


1960s | Laying the foundations

Airbus-history-decades-60s
SA330 Puma

1965

The SA330 Puma performed its first flight

This medium-weight twin-engine was the first of a long series that has been built in various versions down to the present day.

SA341 Gazelle

1968

First flight of the Gazelle SA341

The second prototype of the Gazelle (SA 341) made its first flight on 12 April 1968, and featured a Fenestron tail rotor fairing.

Concorde

1969

Concorde takes off on its 1st flight in Toulouse

Commercial aviation took a supersonic leap into the future with Concorde’s maiden flight, which was captained by André Turcat. 

1969_A300_go_ahead_signature

29 May 1969

Official launch of the Airbus A300 Programme

The A300 programme was launched with a milestone agreement signed by French Transport Minister Jean Chamant and German Economics Minister Karl Schiller at the 1969 Paris Airshow, to build a commercial aircraft that was smaller, lighter and more economical than its three-engine American rivals.

Trailblazing pioneers

Beteille

Roger Béteille

Roger Béteille was a key figure at Airbus from 1967 to 1985 – and a driving force behind the A300 programme, serving initially as a Technical and Coordinating Manager, and becoming Managing Director in 1975.

A large part of the company’s initial success can be traced back to Béteille: a believer in European cooperation, he joined Airbus still in its “preliminary” stage. Béteille’s first proposal of work-sharing (to have aircraft parts such as elements of the fuselage, the wing root and the wings produced by different entities) is still in place today. Béteille’s involvement in the A300 programme ensured the aircraft would match the needs of airline customers, and not just manufacturers’ ideas. Béteille retired from the company in 1985; the final assembly building for the Airbus A350 XWB in Toulouse is named after him.

René Mouille

René Mouille

René Mouille was pivotal in pushing the helicopter industry forward and garnered a collection of groundbreaking inventions to his name.

He is at the origin of the design for the SE3120 (Alouette I) and the SE 3130 Alouette II (the first turbine helicopter), and the Alouette III in 1958; the Super Frelon in 1962; the Puma in 1964; the Gazelle in 1967; and the Dauphin and Ecureuil in the 1970s. In 1963, he was nominated Engineer-in-Chief of the helicopter division of Sud Aviation. With over 40 patents to his name, Mouille was instrumental in pushing the barriers of helicopter technology, such as with the hub NAT (Non-Articulated Drag) with visco-elastic dampers, as well as the famous Fenestron© shrouded tail rotor and the Starflex main rotor. He also invented the SARIB suspension system. The inventions by Mouille and his collaborators are still widely used in the helicopter industry today.

Ludwig Bölkow

Ludwig Bölkow

An innovator of the aeronautical industry in Germany, Ludwig Bölkow created the Bölkow GmbH in Ottobrunn, which developed into the biggest aeronautics and spaceflight company in the country, MBB (Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm).

MBB was an aerospace manufacturer that was later bought by Deutsche Aerospace AG, which is now part of Airbus. Bölkow was the key figure in the design of the world's first jet fighter, the Me 262, and was leading the rebuilding of the German aviation industry following the Second World War. Bölkow was awarded the Ludwig-Prandtl-Ring from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt (German Society for Aeronautics and Astronautics) for "outstanding contribution in the field of aerospace engineering" in 1972. He was awarded a Gold Medal by the British Royal Aeronautical Society in 1978.


1970s | European Collaboration

Airbus-history-decades-70s
A300B in flight

1970

Airbus Industrie was officially created as a GIE

France’s Aerospatiale (a merger of SEREB, Sud Aviation and Nord Aviation), and Germany’s Deutsche Airbus – a grouping of four firms. 

C-212

1971

First flight of C-212 Aviocar

Developed by Airbus predecessor CASA, the C212 has been used in charter and short-haul cargo roles, for search and rescue missions, and various military applications.

SA360

1972

First flight of the SA360 Dauphin

The Dauphin was originally designed as the successor to the Alouette III and was to be called the "Business Alouette".

A300 first flight

1972

The world's first twin engine wide-body aircraft

The first flight of the A300 took place in Toulouse on 28 October 1972, a month ahead of schedule despite several delays due to bad weather. 

1973: An odyssey across South and North America

1973

An odyssey across South and North America

A300 embarks on a six-week sales expedition across North and South America to show off Airbus’ new creation to customers, pilots and executives.

Helios-A and Helios-B, launched in 1974 and 1976

1974

Helios-A and Helios-B, launched in 1974 and 1976

Helios-A and Helios-B were the first space probes produced outside of the U.S. and the Soviet Union to leave Earth orbit, with their launches in 1974 and 1976.

A300B2 enters regular service for Air France

1974

A300B2 enters regular service for Air France

Initial commercial flights for Air France were from Paris to London.

First flight of the Tornado

1974

First flight of the Tornado

The MRCA prototype, later known as the Tornado, took its maiden flight at Manching. 

The launch of the Franco-German communications satellite Symphonie

1974

The launch of the Franco-German communications satellite Symphonie

Symphonie was the first European communications satellite system launched into orbit aboard an American Delta rocket.

Launch of the first European weather satellite Meteosat

1977

Launch of the first European weather satellite Meteosat

Meteosat, the first European weather satellite and the basis for Airbus’ competence in meteorological platforms. Built by an industrial consortium, the prototype Meteosat-1 was launched in 1977 on a U.S. Delta rocket..

A300B

1978

Eastern Airlines, Airbus' first US customer, orders 23 A300B4 aircraft

After the breakthrough agreement with Eastern Airlines, there followed a series of orders that confirmed Airbus as a serious contender in the global aircraft manufacturing industry.

First flight of the AS332 Super Puma

1978

First flight of the AS332 Super Puma

The AS332 Super Puma, featuring anti-crash fuel tanks, which offered military users new guarantees in terms of survivability and, in time, all the customers of the range would benefit from these improvements.

First flight of BK 117

1979

First flight of BK 117

The precursor to the EC145, the BK117 was a 50:50 joint venture by MBB and Kawasaki.

First successful launch of the Ariane 1

1979

First successful launch of the Ariane 1

The first Ariane 1 was launched in 1979 from the Guiana Space Centre, providing the framework for a family of vehicles that were to become a benchmark in the world’s launch service industry.


1980s | New stars are born

1980s historic highlights
A300

1982

Cockpit advances

Delivery of the first A300 FFCC jetliner version, received by Indonesian airline Garuda, incorporating the Forward-Facing Crew Cockpit configuration, which enabled a two-pilot crew to fly the aircraft without the need for a flight engineer.

A310

1982

First flight of the A310

The “Airbus Family” began with the shorter-fuselage A310 and longer-range A300. Lufthansa and Swissair were the first carriers. 

Spacelab

1983

Spacelab starts its journey into space

Spacelab, built in Bremen by MBB-Erno as prime contractor, starts its first journey into space on board the Columbia space shuttle. The command and data managament subsystem CDMS was developed by MATRA.

CN235

1983

First flight of the CN235

Developed jointly by CASA and IPTN, the CN235 has highly diverse applications, covering the spectrum from airline flights, patrol and anti-drug trafficking to cargo, VIP duties and special missions.

Eurostar

1985

Development of Eurostar

A series of high-performance communications satellites suited to a full range of communications missions – including links with fixed ground stations, mobile services, broadcast and broadband.

Formation

1987

Launch of A320

With the groundbreaking Fly-by-wire technology, the A320 Family would go on to record spectacular sales success, becoming the best-selling jetliner aircraft family ever.

BO108

1988

Maiden flight of the Bo108

The Bo108 took off with the most up-to-date technology, including a composite structure, new vibration absorbers, and ultra-modern avionics with screens.

Ariane 4

1988

Launch of the first Ariane 4

The first Ariane 4 flew in June 1988 from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana, performing 113 successful launches and capturing 50% of the commercial satellite launch services marketplace.

Jean Pierson

Jean Pierson

CEO and managing director of Airbus 1985 – 1998

Jean Pierson was a French engineer and industrialist , having participated in the Concorde programme and the development of Airbus as one of its historical leaders. Pierson championed the spirit of Airbus which summed up the organisation’s essence from its beginnings to the present day: “The determination of the partners to keep the damaging demons of intra-European rivalry at bay was a key factor in the success of Airbus Industrie. It is in the interests of Europe that this determination should prevail. If there could be one lesson…it would be that co-operation is the key to prosperity and that there simply is room no more for narrow nationalistic endeavours.”


1990s | Expanding frontiers

1990s historic highlights
Arrival of the A340

1991

Arrival of the A340

The ultra long-range four engined A340-300, able to seat 295 in a three-class configuration and fly 7,150 nautical miles/13,200 kilometres, was rolled out in October, 1991.

Maiden flight of the medium to long-range A330

1992

Maiden flight of the medium to long-range A330

Carrying 335 passengers in two classes, the A330 marked another milestone with the first Rolls-Royce engine – the Trent 700 - on an Airbus aircraft.

First flight of the Eurofighter

1994

First flight of the Eurofighter

The extremely capable, flexible and versatile swing-role front-line fighter aircraft flew for the first time. 

EC135

1994

Maiden flight of the EC135

The first helicopter in the Eurocopter range and successor to the BO108. The most important addition to the EC135 is its Fenestron® tail rotor.

Rollout of the A300-600ST Beluga

1994

Rollout of the A300-600ST Beluga

The Beluga was the successor to the Super Guppy transporter for Airbus components.

EC120

1995

First flight of the EC120 Colibri

With this helicopter, Eurocopter extends its range to include 1.5 metric tonne machines.

A3XX

1996

Super jumbo A3XX

Airbus Industrie sets up Large Aircraft Division, to develop the super jumbo A3XX, later designated the A380.

First official flight of the NH90

1996

First official flight of the NH90

The maiden flight took place at the Eurocopter plant in Marignane, France in the presence of military and governmental representatives from France, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands (the nations participating in the NH90 Programme).

Successful lift off of the Ariane 5

1997

Successful lift off of the Ariane 5

As of early 2019, the heavy-lift vehicle had been launched more than 100 times from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana. Its payload lift capability has evolved from the initial 6,900 kg. in geostationary transfer orbit to an enhanced performance of 10,000 kg., along with a capacity of 20 tonnes into low Earth orbit. 

C295

1998

First flight of C295

Originally designed for the deployment of forces, the C295 can transport over nine tonnes of troops or cargo. Further developed from the CN235, it has a longer fuselage and more powerful engines. 

History

1999

Production investment contract signed for the Tiger

The contract marked a decisive step towards production of Tiger, with an initial batch of 160 helicopters (80 for Germany and 80 for France) to be procured. 

History

1999

Maiden flight of the EC145

The EC145 offers an increased maximum takeoff weight and payload capacity as well as a modern cockpit identical to that of the EC135. 

EC130 B4

1999

Maiden flight of the EC130 B4

This new member of the Ecureuil/AStar family offers more cabin space, extensive visibility and a reduced sound level.


2000s | A new era begins

History

2000

  • "Day One" as the official start of operations for EADS
     

  • The merger of the Franco-British company Matra Marconi Space with the space activites of Daimler-Chrysler Aerospace leads to the foundation of Astrium

H225M

2001

The new EC725 helicopter is presented to the French Air Force Chief of Staff

This version will be able to carry a higher military payload, and will also have an increased civil range of action compared to the MK2 version of the Cougar / Super Puma.

A318

2002

First flight tests of the A318, the smallest member of the A320 family

Captain Bernd Schaefer confirmed that the aircraft handled as anticipated on its maiden flight, which kicked off the A318 flight test campaign.

Mars Express heads for the Red Planet

2003

Mars Express heads for the Red Planet

Mars Express lifted off in June 2003. After arriving at Mars, data from this planetary orbiter helped answer questions about the geology, atmosphere, surface environment, history of water and potential for life on the planet.

A400M

2003

Launch of A400M programme

With the first flight performed in December 2009, the A400M developed for tactical and strategic missions – along with force-projection through aerial refuelling – Airbus set the bar high in terms of technical and programme complexity.

Helicopter production plant columbus Mississippi, USA.

2004

Opening of American Eurocopter plant in Columbus

The Columbus site will mainly focus on the assembly and customisation of the helicopters sold by American Eurocopter to local and federal government organisations for military operations, homeland security and other parapublic missions.

Foundation

2005

EADS provides relief assistance and 2 million euro donation in response to tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia

Through the years Airbus has supported international aid organisations in regions affected by natural disasters. We bring our products and resources, from relief flights to satellite imagery and helicopter hours, to emergency responders to help alleviate some of the world's most pressing challenges. 

A380

2005

Unveiling of the A380

The world's largest and most modern passenger jet is unveiled to the public. Later that year it would complete its maiden flight. 

The Ecureuil AS350 B3 landed at 8850 meters on the summit of Everest with the pilot Didier Delsalle in 2005.

2005

Eurocopter Ecureuil AS350 piloted by Didier Delsalle lands on Mount Everest on May 14, 2005

This tremendous achievement breaks the world record for the highest altitude landing and takeoff ever, which sets an ultimate milestone in the history of aviation.

A319

2005

EADS and China agree on strategic partnership

Airbus strengthened its foothold in China, with an order of 150 A320 family aircraft, the largest order in Airbus history so far, and a new engineering centre to be set up

Airbus provides a new look at the world

2006

Launch of Metop-A

Observation data provided by Metop enable precise weather forecasting, better prediction of natural disasters, and measurements for issues such as climate change, progressive melting of polar ice and rise in sea levels.

More than 400 UH-72A Lakota helicopters have been produced for the U.S. Army to meet demanding military quality requirements

2006

U.S. Army selects the UH-72A Lakota

U.S. Army selects the UH-72A Lakota version of the EC145 rotorcraft as the military service’s Light Utility Helicopter. More than 400 have been supplied to the U.S. Army and Navy, with production performed at a facility in Mississippi.

MRTT

2007

First flight of the A330 MRTT

Based on the successful A330-200 airliner, the A330 MRTT is the benchmark for new-generation multi-role tanker/transport.

flying_over_columbus

2008

Columbus sets sail for ISS on the Space Shuttle Atlantis

The Columbus science laboratory was launched aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis on February 7, 2008 and docked at the International Space Station (ISS). 

FALC-employees

2006

Inauguration of A320 final assembly line in Tianjin, China

Airbus expanded its industrial network by creating a new A320 final assembly line in Tianjin, China – the company’s first outside of Europe.

ATV: an important step ahead

2008

ATV in service of the International Space Station

The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), a servicing spacecraft for the ISS with the delivery of propellant, water, air, payload and experiment equipment. 

Fabrice Brégier took over as President and CEO of Airbus after serving as the company’s Chief Operating Officer since 2006.

Fabrice Brégier

Airbus COO 2006 – 2018, President of Airbus Commercial Aircraft 2012 – 2018

In 1998, Mr. Brégier became CEO of Matra BAe Dynamics. He was appointed CEO of MBDA, the leading European missile systems company that was created in 2001 by Aerospatiale Matra, British Aerospace and Finmeccanica. In 2003, Fabrice Brégier became President and CEO of the Eurocopter Group and was appointed Head of EADS’ Eurocopter Division in June 20. Mr. Brégier was appointed Airbus Chief Operating Officer (COO) in October 2006. As a Member of the EADS Executive Committee, he was commissioned by Louis Gallois to improve the overall operational performance of the Group. From 2012 – 2018, Fabrice Brégier served as President of Airbus Commercial Aircraft.


2010s | We make it fly

2010s historic highlights
EC145

2010

The new generation EC145 T2 performs its first flight

The EC145 T2 was developed with major innovations such as the dual AFCS, reducing pilot’s workload, particularly in difficult weather or mission conditions. 

X3

2010

First flight of the X3 demonstrator

The X3 is a high-speed hybrid helicopter developed to perform vertical takeoffs and landings and obtain cruising speeds of approximately 220 kts.

A320neo

2011

A record breaking year

Beginning with a milestone order: Virgin America’s acquisition of 60 A320s, Airbus hits above its 10,000th order mark. Also in January 2011, Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IndiGo for 180 A320s. 

Clean Sky 2 initiative

2012

Clean Sky 2 initiative

Eurocopter signs up for leadership in a European compound rotorcraft demonstration project through the Clean Sky 2 initiative. 

The A350 XWB takes flight

2013

The A350 XWB takes flight

Airbus’ newest and most efficient jetliner – the A350 XWB – conducted its highly successful maiden flight from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. 

Launch of Gaia

2013

Launch of Gaia

Gaia – an Airbus-designed and-built space surveyor for ESA – is to compile a 3D space catalogue of more than 1,000 million stars, or approximately roughly 1% of the stars in the Milky Way.

EADS was renamed Airbus Group (which later in 2017 renamed to Airbus). Eurocopter becomes Airbus Helicopters. The rebranding marks a new era in the history of the company as it joins Airbus and Airbus Defence & Space within the new Airbus Group.

2014

EADS renamed Airbus Group

EADS was renamed Airbus Group (which later in 2017 renamed to Airbus). Eurocopter becomes Airbus Helicopters. The rebranding marks a new era in the history of the company as it joins Airbus and Airbus Defence & Space within the new Airbus Group.

A320neo

2014

First flight of the A320neo

The highly-efficient aircraft with new engine option along with standard Sharklets, will deliver a 15% fuel burn reduction to carriers.

rosetta_landung

2014

Cometary encounter

Launched in 2004, the Rosetta spacecraft spent 10 years on a voyage of more than six billion kilometres to reach and study the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

AlInauguration of operations of the A320 FAL in Mobile, Alabama

2015

Inauguration of operations of the A320 FAL in Mobile, Alabama

The facility joins existing  final assembly lines in Hamburg; Toulouse; and Tianjin, China, boosting the production of the best-selling single-aisle aircraft family.

First flight of the H160 in Marignane (France).

2015

Unveiling the H160

The H160 is unveiled on Airbus Helicopters’ Heli-Expo booth in Orlando, Florida. Its first flight took place in Marignane (France) on June 13, 2015.

Airbus launches business accelerator BizLab

2015

Airbus launches business accelerator BizLab

Airbus formally launched its first global aerospace business accelerator Airbus BizLab – located in Toulouse, France, with a second site at Hamburg, Germany.

Launch of the LISA Pathfinder

2015

Launch of the LISA Pathfinder

This ESA technology demonstrator mission is one of the most ambitious scientific undertakings to date: proving key elements of Einstein’s theory of general relativity.

A350-900

2016

Delivery of the 10,000th aircraft to Singapore Airlines

A year of milestones, including service introductions of the A320neo; first deliveries of the latest A330 Family member tailored for regional routes; start of final assembly for the A330neo; and its 10,000th overall delivery.

Galileo goes live

2016

Galileo goes live

Galileo, the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) went live in 2016. From the beginning of Galileo through 2018, Airbus was prime contractor for the satellite navigation system’s ground control segment.

Maiden flight of the A330neo

2017

Maiden flight of the A330neo

Powered by latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo will expand operators’ market opportunities with a range capability increase of approximately 400 nautical miles while carrying more payload. 

FCAS-Infographic-2019

2018

Europe’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS)

The landmark industrial agreement between Airbus and Dassault Aviation envisions a “system of systems” – composed of next-generation fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, future cruise missiles and drones, and military services.

The autonomous demonstrator VSR700

2018

The autonomous demonstrator VSR700

Airbus Helicopters started autonomous flight trials of a VSR700 Optionally Piloted Vehicle (OPV) demonstrator, without safety pilot on December 20, 2018.

The newest members of Airbus’ single-aisle aircraft family

2018

The newest members of Airbus’ single-aisle aircraft family

A milestone partnership between Airbus and Canada’s Bombardier took effect in July with Airbus acquiring a majority stake in the C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership. 

BelugaXL-First-Flight-Air-To-Air

2018

The first BelugaXL

Airbus’ next-generation super airlifter – performed its maiden flight on 19 July in Toulouse.

bepicolombo

2018

Launch of the BepiColombo

Launched on an Ariane 5 in October, the BepiColombo to research the solar system’s smallest and least-explored terrestrial planet – Mercury. 

A220-100

2019

Growth of the A220

As of early 2019, more than 530 orders were placed for A220 aircraft. Airbus is to open a new assembly line for the aircraft at its U.S. manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama, which will build jetliners for U.S. customers.

A220-100-DeltaAirLines-Airbus12k

2019

Delivery of the 12,000th Airbus jetliner

Airbus delivered the 12,000th commercial aircraft in the company’s 50-year history – an A220-100 assembled in Mirabel, Canada for U.S.-based Delta Air Lines. 

A321XLR

2019

A321XLR: Efficiency and extra-long range

After its official launch at the 2019 Paris Air Show, Airbus’ extra-long-range single-aisle A321XLR steadily built up a strong base of orders and commitments from customers around the world.

Tom Enders

Tom Enders

CEO of Airbus 2007 – 2019

Dr. Thomas (“Tom”) Enders served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Airbus SE, from June 2012 to April 2019, after having been CEO of the Airbus Commercial Aircraft Division since 2007. Before that he served as Co-CEO of EADS between 2005 and 2007. He was Head of the Group’s Defence Division from 2000 to 2005. He has been a member of the Executive Committee of Airbus S.E. since its creation in 2000. Prior to joining the aerospace industry in 1991, Enders worked, inter alia, as a Member of the “Planungsstab” of the German Ministry of Defence and in various foreign policy think tanks. He studied economics, political science and history at the University of Bonn and at the University of California in Los Angeles.

 


Discover more Airbus history

Commercial Aircraft History

Commercial Aircraft

1967 to today

Helicopters History

Airbus Helicopters

1920 to today

Defence History 1970 to today

Airbus Defence

1970 to today

Space History 1960's to today

Airbus Space

1960's to today