Airbus will again have a strong presence at Dubai 2001, led by its newest and largest aircraft, the A340-600, which will be the highlight of each day's flying display. Qatar Airways' Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) will also take part in the show. In addition, Airbus will highlight the rest of its aircraft family on its stand (N° 530 in Hall W) and host visitors at its chalet (A45-46).
The region is an important market for Airbus, with carriers in the Middle East and Africa forecast to acquire some 620 airliners worth some $50 billion up to the year 2018. Airbus already has a strong presence in the region all of the major carriers are customers or operators of its aircraft and expects to continue winning more than a half of this business.
Dubai-based Emirates is Airbus' largest Middle East client. With 23 A330-200s on order, it is the largest customer for the type, which forms the backbone of its fleet. In addition, Emirates has six A340-500s on order (the A340-500 is the smaller, ultra-long range sister of the A340-600). It was also the first to commit to the new 500-plus seat A380 it will begin receiving the first of five passenger versions in 2006 and of two freighters in 2008.
Airbus recognizes the challenges currently faced by the air transport industry, and is doing its best to respond to specific airline needs both for aircraft deliveries and in enhancing security aboard its aircraft. It remains cautiously optimistic about the medium term, because of the dependence of both business and tourism on air travel.
Airbus' A340-600 typically carries 380 passengers in first, business and economy class on ranges of up to 7,500 nm/13,900 km. It is the world's newest and most modern airliner, as well as the longest. The A340-600 being displayed at Dubai is the first of three currently in flight trials, which will lead to airline deliveries beginning in mid-2002.
The A330/A340 family is the market leader in the 250-375 seat class, with the most orders from the most customers. It is consistently voted top in independent passenger surveys.
The ACJ has the best cabin of any business jet in its class, and features the same modern airframe and strong investment appeal of the A320 family, from which it is derived. It has already won several customers in the Middle East.
Airbus designs, builds and supports the world's most modern airliners. It is consistently winning about a half of large airliner sales - 100 seats and above - and currently has firm orders for some 4,400 airliners and more than 200 customers and operators around the globe. Airbus is a joint EADS Company with BAE Systems.
