June 25, 2012 — The first A380 for Thai Airways International (THAI) was rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Hamburg over the weekend, bearing the airline’s distinctive livery.

This marks the completion of the painting and cabin installation work on the aircraft, which will now enter a final phase of ground and flight tests in Hamburg. During this phase of production all cabin systems will be thoroughly tested, including air flow and air conditioning, lighting, galleys, lavatories, seats and in-flight entertainment. In parallel, Airbus will also undertake advanced general performance tests with the aircraft before it flies to Toulouse for preparation for delivery to the airline in the third quarter of the year.

THAI will become the ninth operator of the A380. The airline has firm orders for six A380s and will operate the aircraft on its premier routes from Bangkok to Europe.

The first A380 for Thai Airways International (THAI) is rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Hamburg (© Airbus)

This and more THAI A380 photos are available in high resolution in our press room:

http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressroom/high-res-photos

– Narita-based low-cost carrier to start services in July 2012

April 23, 2012– Jetstar Japan, one of Japan’s newest low-cost carriers (LCC), has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320 aircraft in Toulouse, France. The Japanese carrier will start commercial services in July operating from Narita to Kansai, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Okinawa with an initial fleet of three aircraft. This fleet will grow to 24 aircraft within three years.

Jetstar Japan’s A320s are configured in a high comfort all economy layout with 180 seats. Each aircraft is powered by IAE V2500 engines.

“We are extremely happy to take delivery of our brand new Airbus A320. With its wider seats and more spacious cabin than the competition, we are positioned to provide better value that our customers will appreciate as well as fast turnarounds, which is key to our business model,” Jetstar Japan President Miyuki Suzuki said. “We aim to become the number one LCC in the Japanese market, and the A320 will help us achieve our goals.”

“We are delighted to welcome Jetstar Japan as our newest Airbus operator. The A320 has the widest most comfortable cabin and the best performance of any single-aisle aircraft. Passengers love it and operators love it too,” said Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers John Leahy. “The A320 is already the aircraft of choice in Asia with some 80 per cent market share in the LCC market.”

Jetstar Japan, established in 2011, is a joint venture between the Qantas Group, Japan Airlines (JAL), Mitsubishi Corporation and Century Tokyo Leasing Corporation. Jetstar Japan’s Airbus fleet is from an order for 110 A320 Family aircraft placed by the Qantas Group in October 2011.

As of today, nearly 8,400 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold to more than 340 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best selling commercial jetliner ever. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft.

Next Phase Will Be Cabin Installation And Aircraft Painting
March 6, 2012 — The first A380 for Thai Airways International (THAI) took off for its maiden flight on 5th March following completion of the airframe assembly and system tests in Toulouse, France.
After a successful flight of more than four hours, the aircraft landed in Hamburg, Germany, where it is entering the next phase of production, covering cabin installation and painting.

THAI will become the ninth operator of the A380 when it takes delivery of its first aircraft in the third quarter of 2012. The airline has firm orders for six A380s and will operate the aircraft on its premier routes from Bangkok to Europe.

– Major Production Achievement For Airbus’ Modern, Single-Aisle Aircraft Family

January 20, 2012 — Airbus delivered the A320 with manufacturer serial number (MSN) 5000 to Lebanon’s national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA). The aircraft was delivered from Airbus in Hamburg, Germany and is powered by International Aero Engines V2500 engines.
MSN5000 completes the deliveries of MEA’s total order for seven A320s. It marks a significant milestone for Airbus and the A320 Family going into 2012, as production rises from 38 to 40 per month during the first quarter of the year, and orders for the new A320neo reaffirm Airbus’ single-aisle Family as the most modern, fuel efficient in their category. MEA operates one of the most modern fleets in the region with four A330-200s, six A321 and including MSN5000, now seven A320 aircraft.

“We are honoured to become the operator of this brand new A320 with its distinctive serial number 5000 during the 25th anniversary year of the first flight of the A320 said MEA Chairman- Director General, Mohamad El Hout. “Since we first acquired an A320 Family aircraft in 2003, we have not only benefited from the outstanding operational efficiency of the aircraft but were also the first airline in the Middle East to introduce our wide-body cabin product on a single-aisle aircraft, thus offering our customers state of the art on-board entertainment with Audio/Video On Demand as well as a superbly comfortable and spacious cabin experience that has greatly contributed to MEA’s success.”

“Handing MSN5000 over to MEA is a real pleasure for Airbus. The Lebanese flag carrier has shown great courage maintaining its operations in the face of difficulty,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. “It’s only natural that we pay tribute to MEA’s outstanding determination and recognise their unfailing loyalty with this landmark delivery. We look forward to seeing MEA continue to thrive and grow their network with our modern, fuel efficient Airbus family.”

Close to 8,300 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and more than 4,900 delivered to more than 350 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality with the current A320, making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.