AIRBUS LAUNCHES THE A318 100-SEATER AIRLINER.

Transport Europe, May, 1999

On April 26, Airbus Industries announced the official launch of its smallest airliner, the A318, a 100-seater aircraft joining the A320 family which will be assembled in Hamburg. The European consortium has indicated that it has already received 109 purchase pledges, which should permit it to compete with Boeing (the American company has the B717 on its books, a project inherited from its take-over of McDonnell Douglas).

Airbus estimates that the market for this category of aircraft will amount to 1,300 units over the next 20 years. The first A318 should roll off the production line at the end of 2001 and will then undergo nine months of flying trials. The first deliveries are anticipated towards the end of 2002.