Paris Air Show 2009: Another historic gathering for Airbus at Le Bourget
A new chapter in the illustrious history of Le Bourget Airport opens as it hosts the 2009 Paris Air Show – where Airbus will be marking its 40 years of innovation in the global air transport industry.
Le Bourget first made aviation headlines with Charles Lindbergh’s landing on 21 May, 1927, completing the first successful trans-Atlantic flight between New York and Paris.
Since then, the airport has often been in the news, especially in its role as the site of the biennial Paris Air Show – which is the aerospace sector’s most important industry event.
Airbus has frequently contributed to the Paris Air Show’s history, beginning with the signature of a multi-national agreement in May 1969 that launched the A300 and provided the formal starting point for Airbus. In the following four decades, many of Airbus’ achievements have been spotlighted in the Le Bourget exhibit halls and during the show’s flight demonstrations – including memorable debut appearances of new members in its airliner family.
For the 2009 Paris Air Show, Airbus is bringing an A380 and A321, along with an Airbus Military CN-235 maritime aircraft – all of which will be located in the outdoor static display area at Le Bourget Airport. On Wednesday, 17 June, Airbus will mark its 40th year with a milestone flyby involving the four cornerstone members of its commercial jetliner family: the A300B, A320, A340 and A380. Pioneering Airbus engineers and pilots who took part in the development of these aircraft also will be present on the show grounds during the day.
The Airbus exhibit at this year’s Paris Air Show will include a full-scale mock-up representing the A350 XWB’s cabin volume – in which the company’s ”shaping efficiency” audio-visual presentation will be shown. Also to be displayed are models and representations of the Airbus Military A400M airlifter and A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport.
Wrapping up the week’s activities will be the announcement of winners in Airbus' worldwide “Fly Your Ideas" university challenge on Friday, 19 June. This contest was launched last year to encourage student development of creative ideas to further enhance the air transport industry’s environmental performance, and it attracted more than 2,350 participants from 82 countries.
