Airbus SAS was established in 1970 as a European conglom-erate of French, German, and later Spanish and UK companies. In 2001, it became a single incorporated company. The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) and UK-based BAE Systems are the owners of Airbus (80%/20% respectively). The latest product to be launched by Airbus commercially is A 380. A 555-seater super airliner, A380 is the largest passenger aircraft in the world. It can accommodate a maximum of 853 passengers and will be commercially available in the market in late 2007.
Experts predict that this airline will transform the dynamics of airline industry and also will benefit Airbus in increasing its profits. Some forecast that the large size of A380 will pose a danger to the US airport safety. The rival airline, Boeing, also received orders in December 2006 for its 747-8 passenger aircraft and is expected to enter into the market in late 2010. s feel that being in the same category as A380, 747-8 will pose great competition to the former. Will A380 be able to succeed in its entry into the new category of the largest aircraft? Will A380 have an impact on the airline industry?
A380, the largest passenger aircraft in the world, is sold in two versions. The A380-800 can carry 555 passengers in a three-class configuration or up to 853 passengers in a single-class economy configuration (Exhibit I). The A380 has wider seats, more legroom and 50% more floor space than its competitor, the Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet.
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