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Airbus A3XX

Airbus is continuing studies on a new "Super Jumbo" airliner to challenge Boeings dominance with the 747. The launch will be a risky affair, so detailed studies and concrete customer commitments plus solid financing are needed for a launch decision that is tentatively scheduled for 1999.

Sales and deliveries - Future Milestones - Development History - Contacts

Sales and Deliveries

Airbus has stated in 1995 that up to 2014 there will be a potential market for over 800 super large airliners.

Future Milestones

Mid 2003
First deliveries.

Mid 2002
First flight

Late 1999
Official programme go ahead

Late 1997
Preliminary design is frozen and "predevelopment" phase started

Summer 1996
Airbus briefs 14 airlines on the A3XX technical specification. Involved are seven carriers from Asia (Korean Air, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Japan Air System, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Qantas), four from Europe (Air France, British Airways, KLM and Lufthansa) as wll as three from the USA (Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines).

Recent development achievements

10. July 1995
The four European Airbus partner companies and Boeing have completed the second phase of their 2 1/2 year joint study examining the feasibility of developing a Very Large Commercial Transport (VLCT). The technical feasibility of such an airplane was confirmed, but market studies do not indicite sufficient volumes to justify the launch of the programme now.

26. January 1993
Aérospatiale, Boeing, British Aerospace, CASA and Dasa sign MOU covering a one year study of a VLCT (Very Large Commercial Transport), to carry 500 to 800 passengers over ranges up to 11800 miles (19000 km).

1989
Initial studies by Airbus Industrie and its partner companies concerning an UHCA (Ultr High Capacity Airliner).

Contacts

For more information on the A3XX programme you may contact:
Airbus Industrie
Public Relations
Rond Pont Maurice Bellonte
31707 Blagnac Cedex
France
Phone: 0033-61-933333
Fax: 0033-61-933792

Last updated August 25, 1996