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Which is the world's largest airliner?

Last updated on: July 21, 2004 19:59 IST
Airbus Industrie

Which is the world's largest airliner?
As the global aviation sector slowly recuperates from the aftermath of 9/11 terrorist attack and the SARS menace, competition between traditional rivals Airbus and Boeing is hotting up. Take the Rediff Business Quiz and find out how much you know about Airbus.

Biz Quiz is best viewed in Internet Explorer (IE) and Netscape above version 6.0.

1. Which of these countries is not a member of the Airbus consortium?
a) United Kingdom
b) Italy
c) Germany

Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is Italy.
Airbus was established in 1970 as a European consortium of French, German and later, Spanish and British companies. In 2001, thirty years after its creation, Airbus formally became a single integrated company. The Airbus GIE (or Groupement d'Intérêt Economique), a form of consortium under French law, was officially created at the end of 1970 to establish a formal co-operation among the GIE's partners and to provide a single sales, marketing and support interface for Airbus customers.
Correct!
Airbus was established in 1970 as a European consortium of French, German and later, Spanish and British companies. In 2001, thirty years after its creation, Airbus formally became a single integrated company. The Airbus GIE (or Groupement d'Intérêt Economique), a form of consortium under French law, was officially created at the end of 1970 to establish a formal co-operation among the GIE's partners and to provide a single sales, marketing and support interface for Airbus customers.

2. Airbus' first aircraft was launched in which year?
a) 1969
b) 1970
c) 1971

Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is 1969.
Airbus' first aircraft, the A300B, was launched at the 1969 Paris Air Show. It was the first widebody twinjet and could carry 226 passengers in a comfortable two-class lay-out. A stretched 250-seat version, the A300B2, requested by launch customer Air France, went into full scale production. By the end of 1975, Airbus had 10 per cent of the market and a total of 55 aircraft on order. The company then went through a dark period, during which it failed to secure any new orders. Finally, US carrier Eastern Airlines decided to lease four A300B4s.
Correct!
Airbus' first aircraft, the A300B, was launched at the 1969 Paris Air Show. It was the first widebody twinjet and could carry 226 passengers in a comfortable two-class lay-out. A stretched 250-seat version, the A300B2, requested by launch customer Air France, went into full scale production. By the end of 1975, Airbus had 10 per cent of the market and a total of 55 aircraft on order. The company then went through a dark period, during which it failed to secure any new orders. Finally, US carrier Eastern Airlines decided to lease four A300B4s.

3. Name the first CEO of the integrated Airbus company.
a) Gustav Humbert
b) Noël Forgeard
c) Andreas Sperl

Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is Noël Forgeard.
Born in Paris in 1946, Noël Forgeard graduated from the Ecole Polytechnique in Paris and after working as a chief engineer in the French Ministry of Industry, he became technical advisor in charge of the civil aviation sector at the Ministry of Transport in April 1978. Then in 2001, he became the first president and CEO of the integrated Airbus company. Gustav Humbert is the chief operating officer and executive vice-president (programmes). Andreas Sperl is the chief financial officer.
Correct!
Born in Paris in 1946, Noël Forgeard graduated from the Ecole Polytechnique in Paris and after working as a chief engineer in the French Ministry of Industry, he became technical advisor in charge of the civil aviation sector at the Ministry of Transport in April 1978. Then in 2001, he became the first president and CEO of the integrated Airbus company. Gustav Humbert is the chief operating officer and executive vice-president (programmes). Andreas Sperl is the chief financial officer.

4. Which is the world's largest passenger airliner?
a) A400M
b) A340
c) A380

Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is A380.
Designed in close collaboration with major airlines, airport and airworthiness authorities, the A380 brings new standards of comfort and better economics in an aircraft that is more environmentally responsible. Whilst doing all of this, it allows growth and reduced congestion from today's airports with minimum change. The A380, which will seat 555 passengers in a typical three-class interior layout, will enter airline service in 2006.
Correct!
Designed in close collaboration with major airlines, airport and airworthiness authorities, the A380 brings new standards of comfort and better economics in an aircraft that is more environmentally responsible. Whilst doing all of this, it allows growth and reduced congestion from today's airports with minimum change. The A380, which will seat 555 passengers in a typical three-class interior layout, will enter airline service in 2006.

5. Airbus has a tie-up with which American airline?
a) American Airlines
b) United Airlines
c) Delta

Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is United Airlines.
Airbus has teamed with United Airlines to offer an exclusive support network that caters to the needs of corporate jet operators. The 'One Call Handles All' system provides Airbus Corporate Jetliner support anywhere, any time with one toll-free telephone number. Airbus Corporate Jetliner has full-size meeting rooms, spacious lounge areas and even private bedrooms with stand-up showers. The aircraft is based on the popular A319 airliner.
Correct!
Airbus has teamed with United Airlines to offer an exclusive support network that caters to the needs of corporate jet operators. The 'One Call Handles All' system provides Airbus Corporate Jetliner support anywhere, any time with one toll-free telephone number. Airbus Corporate Jetliner has full-size meeting rooms, spacious lounge areas and even private bedrooms with stand-up showers. The aircraft is based on the popular A319 airliner.
 
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Compiled by: Rediff Business Desk