BBC TV June 20. 2006 says Airbus may now appeal for more EU aid to help it out after the A380 disaster.
It may also unveil a new A320 Enhanced. Plans have just been announced.
(Copyright Airbus 2006 --- proposed interior of the A320 Enhanced)
The enhanced plane will look like a large Embraer and have engine improvements, weight savings, a new cabin (which will be 50 kg lighter) and new large winglets. There will be a redesigned upper wing-to-fuselage fairing, a tech-insertion package for engines to reduce fuel burn, a lower tank fuel tank surge vent and a reprofiled engine pylon.
Service entry is scheduled for 2008. Fuel burn will be cut by 5%.
Cabin improvements will be available on new planes from mid-2007.
Airbus is having an emergency meeting right now (June 20, 2006).
The Germans are furious that France is blaming them for the delays by making it appear that the plant in Hamburg, Germany was responsible for the A380 mess.
Becoming a real war now. CNN and BBC says that the meeting has been very stormy so far.
The Opposition in France is stepping up the pressure and wants the Frencg Government to intervene and make changes in the management. The French Government may now have to step in as the Germans also want a change in the top level.
Airbus earnings may fall as compensation will have to be given to A380 customers. Earnings and share value has dropped or will drop.
Airbus is also to examine the controversial ruling on wake-separation distance.
The A380 has been found to generate a huge wake. Separation time may have to be increased to 15 minutes now and this may affect operations of other airlines.
But Airbus is confident it can overturn the ruling.
The main issue is how Airbus has bungled and let a low technology issue of wiring get in the way of production schedule. No one has however questioned the technical quality of the plane. It has been acknowledged to be a technological masterpiece.
BBC TV (June 20, 2006) has just added that Boeing has made an announcement about its 747-8. It may be lengthened to make iot 4 metres longer then the 747-400.
Boeing also says Asian airlines are displaying interest in the 747-8 after the A380's problems.
What i hear is that the this A320E is just a temp replacement to garner some reputation back from its customers and get more customers for its successful 320 family, which at the time being seems to be the only one without any controversy.
Then when boeing announces its 737NG replacement based on composite design similar to the 787., thats the time Airbus will announce an even more succesful replacement to the 320 family mostly to be called A360.
Thus offering a 350[330]/360[320]/370[345/346]/380 family.
Lets not forget that 65-70% of aircraft in the world today fall in the under 200 seat category.
Aww..Please dont use Chinese and A320 together as it is i am thinking of those A320s which airlines of our country will get with a tag "Made in China".
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Light travels faster than sound...thats why people appear bright, until you hear them talk!
the A320E was bound to happen sooner or later.... Boeing has upped the pressure on the A320 with their 737NGs massively.. what i can give credit to Airbus about is that atleast they have taken note and reacted to the threat rather than rubbish the Boeing surges and pay for it in the long run...
though i suspect the A320E is a stop gap life extender to the A320 programme.... eventually they will have to come out with an entirely new model to keep pace with developments.... im sure they have plans and studies in advanced stages... they wouldnt want Boeing to go for the jugular and outsprint them with a all new 737 replacement using their gains and more developments in technology from the 787 and 748I experiences