Page 15 - AAA MAY - JUNE 2014 Online Magazine
P. 15
FEATURE AIRBUS
FEATURE AIRBUS
Finding the Perfect Match
Airbus continues to scout for orders By J K Chandra
AIrbus contInues to work hArd Airbus delivered 30 A380’s in 2012,
to obtain new orders for the A380 as the followed by 25 last year and six A380’s
type approaches a decade of being in had been delivered by the end of March,
the air, since its maiden flight in 2005. this year. List prices in 2013 were at an
The four engine twin deck conventional average of USD 403.9 million, however
widebody entered service with Singapore discounts have reduced this to USD
Airlines in 2007. From its introduction into 205-220 million (Source: Teal Group
service, the type has been well received by Corporation World Military & Civil
airlines who operate it, unfortunately for Aircraft Briefing 2014).
Airbus, the order book is a poor reflection Speaking on the developments being
of that impression. planned for the A380 Alan Pardoe, Head of
Development costs for the A380 are Marketing, Communications, Airbus told
pegged at USD 24-25 billion as per the AAA that “The emphasis at Airbus right
Teal Group Corporations, World Military now is very much on optimising the cabin
& Civil Aircraft Briefing 2014. Till date configuration as the aircraft are viewed as
Airbus has received 324 orders and 128 the flagship aircraft for airlines that are
have been delivered, leaving 196 to be flying it. The A380 lends itself extremely
delivered. well to a four class layout with First Class,
In March, this year Airbus delivered Business Class, Premium Economy and
four A380s to British Airways, Emirates Economy class seats”
and Lufthansa. Airbus has been targeting Emirates which is the single largest
30 new orders for the A380 this year, out operator of the type has been vocal in its
of which Amedeo (formerly a part of demands to create a more fuel efficient
Doric Lease Corp) has already ordered version of the A 380, and has hinted that
Alan Pardoe, Head of Marketing, 20 aircraft to be delivered between 2016 it would place additional orders if such a
Communications, Airbus and 2020. version were to take shape.
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