European Planemaker Off To Strong Start For '07

For those of you keeping track at home, Airbus is off to a strong start for 2007, after conceding the 2006 sales race to rival Boeing. On Monday, the European planemaker announced orders for three of its (arguably) lesser-known offerings -- the A320 Corporate Jetliner, and VIP versions of its four-engine A340-300 and -500 airliners.

Of those orders, the two Airbus announced for full-lux variants of its A340 series (one apiece for the -300 and -500, both to unnamed customers) are perhaps the most noteworthy.... as overall orders for the A340 family have slowed to a near-halt recently. Several airline customers choosing the more-fuel-efficient, twin-engined Boeing 777 instead.

Boeing does not presently offer a BBJ (Boeing Business Jet) version of the Triple-7, however... leaving Airbus to fill that niche until a private version of its upcoming 787 comes online. Airbus also offers VIP variants of its A330-200 twinjet and A340-600 long-haul airliner (shown below), as well as the A380-based "Flying Palace."

"With its huge cabin, ultra long-range, and the four-engined freedom to take the remotest routings in its stride, the Airbus A340 is today's ultimate long-haul VIP transport," said Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers, John Leahy. "With a VIP Airbus A340-500, you can literally fly nonstop to the world."

The Airbus A340-500 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines, and the A340-300 by CFM International CFM56-5s.

Also on Monday, Airbus announced the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) signed a contract for two A320s from the Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) Family, becoming yet another new government customer for the company's increasingly popular corporate jets. Other ACJ customers include the governments of Azerbaijan, Brazil, Czechoslovakia, France, Italy, Qatar, Thailand, UAE, and Venezuela.

With extensive passenger seating, plus a kit to convert part of the cabin at short notice, RAFO's A320s will have a dual role -- carrying troops in day-to-day operations, as well as transporting senior defense officials on an ad hoc basis. RAFO's A320s will be powered by International Aero Engines V2500s.

"The Royal Air Force of Oman's selection of the Airbus ACJ Family builds on the success that it is already achieving with governments around the world," said Leahy. "It also highlights the popularity and versatility of the A320 Family - from which the ACJ range is derived -- which has won more than 5,000 orders and been chosen by some 240 customers and operators."

Airbus' Corporate Jetliner Family comprises the A318 Elite, ACJ and A320 Prestige. Airbus states all of them offer  the widest, most spacious and most comfortable cabin of any business jet.

FMI: www.airbus.com