Evolution of Airbus, a Notable Aerospace Corporation: Insights into the Development of the Company
Fly High with Airbus SE: A Journey Through Aviation History
Move over Boeing and McDonnell Douglas, there's a new kid on the block that's ruling the skies - Airbus SE. With headquarters in Netherlands, France, Spain, and Germany, this titan of the aerospace industry employs over 130,000 people and continues to soar high across the world. Let's dive into the thrilling history of this mighty aviation corporation.
Takeoff: Airbus Industrie Takes Flight
Before Airbus was born, American aerospace giants had a firm grip on the industry. European aircraft were sleek and well-designed, but the U.S. had several competitive advantages that made them unbeatable. In response, a group of European companies came together, forming Airbus Industrie in 1970. Initially comprised of materials and aircraft manufacturers from France, the UK, and West Germany, it was a collaborative effort to level the playing field with their American counterparts.
The birth of Airbus didn't come out of nowhere - discussions between the founding members started a couple of years prior to its establishment. And what a splendid debut it was! The first aircraft to leave the Airbus hangar, the Airbus A300, took its maiden flight on October 28, 1972. Although initial success was slow to come, more and more orders started piling in for their flagship model.
Climbing Altitude: Airbus Soars to New Heights
With the initial success of Airbus A300, the company continued to push the boundaries of innovation, creating better, more advanced models. The Airbus A320 proved to be their most successful product, garnering over 400 orders immediately after its introduction. The aircraft completed its first flight on February 22, 1987, and played a pivotal role in the meteoric rise of Airbus into the mega-corporation it is today.
European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company NV (EADS) came into being in the year 2000, with Airbus operating under its wing until 2014. Until 2006, EADS owned 80% of Airbus' shares, with the remaining 20% held by British aerospace company BAE Systems. Then, EADS acquired BAE Systems' share in Airbus.
Airbus underwent several name changes between 2014, 2015, and 2017, but has always remained a force to be reckoned with in the aviation industry. Throughout its tenure, the company has designed, built, and sold more than 13,500 aircraft, which in total have made over 110 million flights worldwide.
Cruising Altitude: Airbus' Present and Future
Even though Airbus faced some initial hurdles, it persevered and has since become the aviation powerhouse it is today. Its first aircraft might not have been an instant hit, but Airbus didn't give up. Instead, it refocused its efforts on quality and excellence, which eventually propelled it to the top.
Now Airbus stands toe-to-toe with Boeing as one of the major players in the aviation industry, constantly engaged in a race to dominate the skies. As the aviation sector continues to grow, the future looks promising for Airbus. However, only time will reveal the exciting journey that lies ahead for this aeronautical titan.
Resources
- Wikipedia (n.d.), History of Airbus, Retrieved October 14, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Airbus
- Business Insider (Updated May 27, 2020), Airbus History From Start up to Industry Titan, Retrieved October 14, 2021, https://www.businessinsider.com/airbus-history-airliner-photos-details-2019-5
- FlightGlobal (July 20, 2010), EADS 10 - Airbus history, Retrieved October 14, 2021, https://www.flightglobal.com/eads-10-airbus-history/94572.article
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- In responding to the dominance of American aerospace giants, the European-led Airbus Industrie capitalized on the technological advancements in the European sector to level the playing field, broaching into finance and banking partnerships to fund its innovative aircraft designs.
- As a global powerhouse in both the aerospace and finance industries, Airbus SE continues to push the boundaries of technology, driving aviation into the future with a steady stream of new, cutting-edge aircraft models.
