Speaking at Airbus’ year-opening press conference, Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Brégier said 2015 priorities in preparing the future
include: the A320neo (new engine option) jetliner’s service entry in the fourth quarter; delivery start-up in May of A330s with an increased 242-metric tonne maximum takeoff weight; transition of the A330neo variant into detailed development later this year; and production ramp-up for the A350-900, along with pre-assembly preparations for the longer-fuselage A350-1000 version – the first of which is to enter the final assembly line in early 2016.
He said incremental innovation will remain at the heart of Airbus’ product line development, citing the A320neo Family’s success as an example of how this approach meets market demand – having booked 3,621 orders through December 2014 for the new engine option family of single-aisle jetliners.
The latest example of incremental innovation is the official launch of Airbus’ longer-range A321neo version. Airbus also completed the maiden flight of the 242 tonne A330 widebody, which will be the platform for the re-engined A330neo.
In addition to 2014’s strong bookings for Airbus’ single-aisle A320neo and A320ceo (current engine option) families, last year marked a good performance for Airbus’ widebody products – including the A350 XWB and the A330neo.
Brégier said Airbus also continues to see a bright future for its A380, which is a young platform and “The priority today is finding other customers for the A380’s current version." He added Airbus will also apply increamental innovation to A380, resulting in a improved and reengined A380neo.
Airbus aircraft delivery in 2014.
