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06 Dec 2006  -  France

Airbus launches A350 family and industrial strategy

In front of a packed audience of international media, Louis Gallois, President and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus and co-CEO of EADS, together with Fabrice Brégier, COO, John Leahy, COO - Customers, Tom Williams, EVP Programmes, and Olivier Andries EVP Strategy and Co-operation, announced the launch of the A350 XWB.

"The launch of the A350 XWB is the best evidence that Airbus is preparing for the future with great confidence," stated Louis Gallois. "The A350 XWB will be the most efficient, the most environmentally advanced aircraft in the skies."

Expressing special thanks to the company's shareholders for their commitment and support, Louis Gallois explained the new strategy this programme heralded. He also stressed the importance of Power 8, Airbus' competitiveness programme, for the launch adding that he made it a personal commitment for himself and Fabrice Brégier.

In terms of financing, Louis Gallois stated that the EADS Board judged that it was able to afford the investment through a blend of EADS' internal resources, associating partnerships, and funds raised on the world?s capital markets, if need be.

"In a nutshell, the A350 XWB is just the airplane the market needs... After the management turmoil and the very costly industrialisation problems of the A380, Airbus is back and well back," he concluded.

John Leahy then expressed his confidence in the new Airbus aircraft Family, listing a few of the many improvements made on the design since the aircraft's first version one year ago. "We've moved a step beyond the competition," he said, explaining how it will fly further, burn less fuel, make less noise, have less environmental impact and offer greater comfort to passengers in all classes. And naturally the A350 XWB Family will retain the operational commonality that only Airbus can offer.

In terms of timing, John Leahy stated that the A350 XWB would come just in time for the second wave of replacement cycle of 300-seat aircraft in 2013. He also expressed his confidence in customers' interest in the aircraft, including existing A350 customers with whom Airbus is holding individual negotiations. "They liked the A350, they'll like this one better... The A350 XWB is truly the future of flying," he said.

Source : Airbus