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Airbus Official Says Updated Boeing 747 Will Kick Up Competition With Superjumbo

Posted on: Monday, 21 November 2005, 18:00 CST

By EILEEN NG Associated Press writer

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- A senior Airbus official acknowledged Thursday that Boeing's new, slightly bigger 747 jet will pressure the European jetmaker's A380 superjumbo -- but said the move shows its U.S. archrival recognizes there is demand for larger planes.

"It will increase the competition with the A380 freighter, but at least we are glad that Boeing recognizes there is a market for aircraft (bigger than) the 747," said Charle Champion, head of the A380 program.

"Ours is more superior in terms of cost and capacity," he said.

The Airbus double-decker A380, the world's largest passenger plane, arrived in Kuala Lumpur late Wednesday on the last stop of a three-nation tour of the Asia-Pacific to drum up new business and test its long-haul flight capabilities.

The prototype of the jet landed last Friday in Singapore in its first test-flight out of Europe before flying on to Australia.

The jet, which can typically carry 555 passengers in three classes but can be expanded to accommodate up to 800, was to run compatibility tests at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Thursday and depart Friday.

The first delivery of the A380 -- to Singapore Airlines -- is scheduled for November 2006.

Champion said Airbus is in "active discussions" to sell the jet to several airlines in the Asia-Pacific, a market in which both Airbus and Boeing see great potential.

"We see high interest from a number of airlines in Asia who have not taken order of the A380s, but I think competition is going to be even tougher now that new products are coming in," he told the Associated Press.

Seven airlines in Asia-Pacific have bought 49 A380s, accounting for 31 percent of 159 firm orders so far for the plane.

"Clearly Asia-Pacific is a significant market, not only for the A380 but for aircrafts in general," he said in comments on the sidelines of a lavish ceremony at the airport. "We are doing well, but competition is there."

Earlier this week, Boeing Co. announced it was launching new, bigger, more fuel-efficient versions of its 747. A new passenger version will seat 450 people, up from 416 in the most current model, and be about 12 feet longer than the current 747.

Source: Columbian

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