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Airbus

European aerospace corporation

Airbus SE is a multinational aerospace corporation specializing in commercial aircraft, defense, space, and helicopters. Formed in 2000 through a merger, it became the world's largest airliner manufacturer in 2019. With headquarters in the Netherlands, daily operations are managed from France. Led by CEO Guillaume Faury, Airbus is listed on major stock exchanges.

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Boeing Airplane Etihad Airways British Airways Emirates United Airlines SpaceX Delta Air Lines SAP BMW

Timeline

Britain Abandons European Airbus Project

In 1969, Britain decided to abandon the European Airbus project, citing concerns that building the plane would not be financially viable.

Formation of Airbus Consortium

On May 29, 1969, the French and German governments agreed to lead a consortium to produce and sell the A300B airliner, in response to the growing strength and influence of American firms like Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, and Lockheed in the commercial aviation industry.

Airbus makes first sale to Air France

Airbus made its first sale on September 3, 1970, receiving an order from Air France for six A300Bs. In response to Air France's feedback that the 250-seater was too small, Airbus re-stretched the A300B1 to 270 seats, creating the A300B2.

Formation of Airbus Industrie

Airbus Industrie was formally established as a Groupement d'Intérêt Économique (Economic Interest Group or GIE) on 18 December 1970. It had been formed by a government initiative between France, West Germany and the UK that originated in 1967.

Maiden Flight of Airbus A300B

On October 28, 1972, the Airbus A300B made its maiden flight, marking a significant milestone in the history of Airbus.

New European Airbus Announcement

In May 1978, the announcement of a new European Airbus raised concerns about its potential impact on US jobs.

Success of Airbus A300

By 1979, Airbus Industrie had 256 orders for the A300, indicating a shift towards success after initial challenges.

Introduction of Airbus A320

The introduction of the A320 in 1981 marked a turning point for Airbus Industrie, with over 400 orders placed before its first flight.

Airbus poached John Leahy for head of sales in North America

In 1985, Airbus hired John Leahy from Piper to lead its sales in North America, which turned out to be a brilliant move. By 1994, Leahy had risen to become the global head of sales for the company.

Introduction of A320 with digital cockpit and fly-by-wire technology

The A320 was introduced in 1987, marking the debut of the digital cockpit and fly-by-wire technology in commercial airliners. This technological advancement is considered one of Airbus's greatest contributions to commercial aviation.

Introduction of A320

The twin-engine A320 entered service in 1988 and incorporated numerous technical innovations, notably fly-by-wire (electric rather than mechanically linked), computer-based flight controls.

First Flight of Airbus A340

Airbus A340, a four-engine widebody airliner, took its first flight in 1991. It was launched at the end of the four-engine era.

First Flight of Airbus A330

Airbus A330, a twin-engine widebody airliner, took its first flight in 1992.

Airbus Reinvented

The article 'Europe Reinvented: Airbus has come of age' in Financial Times discusses the maturation of Airbus as a major player in the European aviation industry.

Airbus SAS Formally Established

EADS and BAE SYSTEMS completed Airbus integration, formally establishing Airbus SAS, as per the press release by BAE Systems plc.

Creation of Airbus Engineering Centre in Russia

In 2003, Airbus and the Kaskol Group created an Airbus Engineering centre in Russia, which started with 30 engineers and since has emerged as a model of success for Airbus' globalisation strategy.

Airbus A380 Lands

The Airbus A380 lands after making aviation history, marking a significant milestone in aviation technology and engineering.

BAE Systems Sells Its Share of Airbus

On April 6, 2006, BAE Systems announced the sale of its 20% share of Airbus, marking a significant change in the ownership structure of Airbus.

Resignation of Noël Forgeard and Gustav Humbert

On June 2, 2006, co-CEO Noël Forgeard and Airbus CEO Gustav Humbert resigned following the controversy caused by the announcement of further delays in the deliveries of the A380. This was related to an insider trading investigation involving executives exercising stock options and the subsequent fall in EADS shares.

Airbus A320 Enhanced

Airbus introduced the upgraded 'A320 Enhanced' to compete with Boeing's narrowbody plans.

Resignation of EADS Chief and Airbus CEO

EADS chief Noël Forgeard and Airbus CEO Gustav Humbert resigned on 2 July 2006.

Airbus A320 Assembly Line in Tianjin

In July 2006, Airbus announced the construction of an A320 jet assembly line in Tianjin, signifying the company's expansion into China.

BAE Systems sells Airbus stake

BAE Systems agrees to sell its stake in Airbus for £1.87bn, marking a significant shift in the ownership of the company.

Resignation of Christian Streiff

On 9 October 2006, Christian Streiff, Humbert's successor, resigned due to differences with parent company EADS over the amount of independence he would be granted in implementing his reorganisation plan for Airbus.

Airbus confirms 10,000 job cuts

Airbus announces 10,000 job cuts as part of a restructuring plan, impacting the company's workforce and operations.

Introduction of Airbus A380

Airbus introduced the A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, in 2007, which made a significant impact on the aviation industry and air travel experience.

Airbus and Northrop Grumman win contract for KC-45A

On 1 March 2008, a consortium of Airbus and Northrop Grumman had won a $35 billion contract to build the new in-flight refuelling aircraft KC-45A, a US-built version of the MRTT, for the USAF.

Airbus and Harbin Aircraft Partnership

In July 2008, Airbus and Harbin Aircraft formed a partnership for manufacturing Chinese aircraft parts, reflecting Airbus's strategic involvement in the Chinese aviation sector.

First Airbus Final Assembly Line in Tianjin

The first Airbus final assembly line outside Europe is inaugurated in Tianjin, China, signifying Airbus's global expansion and presence in Asia.

First China-assembled A320 Jet Delivery

In June 2009, Airbus delivered the first A320 jet assembled in China, marking a milestone in the company's collaboration with the Chinese aviation industry.

WTO Ruling on Boeing Subsidies

In February 2011, the WTO ruled that Boeing had received improper subsidies from the U.S., impacting the dynamics of the aviation industry.

U.S. Victory in Airbus-Boeing Case

In May 2011, the U.S. claimed victory in a case against Airbus-Boeing, marking a significant development in the ongoing competition between the two aviation giants.

Unveiling of Airbus Aircraft Assembly Plant Plans in Mobile, Alabama

Airbus CEO Fabrice Brégier unveiled plans for a $600 million aircraft assembly plant at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley for the assembly of the A220, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft. The plant was expected to employ up to 1,000 full-time workers when operational.

Airbus Environmental Impact

In January 2013, Airbus's environmental impact as a leading aircraft manufacturer was highlighted, emphasizing the company's role in addressing environmental concerns within the aviation industry.

Commencement of Construction for Airbus Aircraft Assembly Plant in Mobile, Alabama

Construction of the Airbus aircraft assembly plant at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley began, with the plant expected to become operable by 2015 and produce up to 50 aircraft per year by 2017.

Formation of Airbus Defence and Space

In January 2014, Airbus Defence and Space was established through the reorganization of EADS divisions including Airbus Military, Astrium, and Cassidian. It encompasses various defense and security capabilities such as sensors, radars, avionics, electronic warfare systems, and global security systems.

Airbus A330neo Maiden Flight

A celebration took place in an Airbus A330neo aircraft after its maiden flight event in Colomiers near Toulouse, France on October 19, 2017.

U.S. Department of Justice Corruption Investigation

The U.S. Department of Justice opened a corruption investigation into Airbus, which could result in fines of up to 4-5 billion Euros.

Airbus 50th Birthday Celebration

Airbus celebrated its 50th birthday, marking five decades of growth and development from a newcomer to a major player in the aviation industry. Over the past 20 years, Airbus and Boeing have dominated the global commercial airliner market, each holding approximately half of the market share.

Agreement between Airbus and the Serious Fraud Office

On 31 January 2020, Airbus reached an agreement with the Serious Fraud Office, which excluded the settlement of the criminal case involving GPT Special Project Management Ltd. This agreement marked a significant development in the legal proceedings related to the bribery allegations.

A Detailed Analysis on Marketing Strategies of Airbus

A detailed examination of the marketing strategies employed by Airbus. The analysis likely covers various aspects such as target audience, advertising channels, and branding techniques.

End of the Timeline
Airbus

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