Airbus UK Ltd, Bristol
Who they are
With a turnover of around $23.8 billion (£12.9 billion) in 2003,
Airbus now consistently captures half of all airliner orders.
Airbus' comprehensive product line comprises four highly successful
aircraft families: the single-aisle A320 Family
(A318/A319/A320/A321), the wideboy A300/A310 Family, the long range
A330/A340 Family and the all new 555-seater A380, which is due to
enter service in 2006.
What they do
Airbus' Bristol site employs over 2,500 designers responsible
for their wings, landing gear and fuel systems. Another 1,500 are
involved in the manufacture of key components and wing
sub-assemblies. The company is currently investing $450 million
(£243 million) to further extend the site's capabilities.
This proven expertise in civil aviation is now also being put to
use in the military field, with Airbus managing the development of
the A400M military transport programme, which is due to take its
first flight in 2008.
In addition, Airbus is offering new solutions to fulfil the
different needs of the world's air forces for tanker/transport
aircraft with the Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). The company
is also breaking new ground in offering military customers direct
access to the exceptional Airbus product support organisation.