The European major airframer, Airbus, invariably dominates the Paris Air Show. In this edition too, it did notch up massive orders. In an interview with SP’s Aviation, EADS outlined the success story of Airbus at Le Bourget.

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): How was the show for you this year?

EADS: The show was clearly a resounding success. According to Airbus’ COO for Customers, John Leahy, it was one of the best Paris Air Shows of all time. Our commercial aircraft division, Airbus, led the show announcing key wins across its entire product line for an impressive 466 new sales and commitments.

SP’s: What all success stories you concluded at the show and can you please share them with us?

EADS: With the number of orders and commitments worth $68.7 billion ( Rs. 4,12,200 crore) Airbus has secured is certainly remarkable. So was the sight of the first British Airways A380 and an impressive display from the new A400M airlifter.

SP’s: Did the tricky weather disrupt or affect your business interactions during the show?

EADS: Yes! It certainly made things challenging, but weather proved no bar to doing business. Again, to quote Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer John Leahy: “The rain brought us some very good luck.”

SP’s: Can you indicate which specific innovations were introduced by your company at the show?

EADS: From commercial and military aircraft to telecommunications satellites, the EADS Group presented a wide array of innovative products and technologies. Under the theme ‘Delivering Innovation’, EADS and its divisions —Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter—showcased their market leading products and new innovations that will help shape the future of the aerospace industry. EADS Innovation Works, the Group’s corporate research and technology network, presented a number of initiatives in the field of electrical and hybrid propulsion during the show. Included is a fully-electric general aviation training aircraft. These “E-aircraft” projects clearly demonstrate EADS’ commitment to develop technologies that further reduce aircraft carbon dioxide emissions.

SP’s: Which programme of your company is the most innovative one today and what kind of transformation will it bring for the market once available for potential users?

EADS: It has to be the fly over by the new A350 XWB on the Friday. The A350 XWB is the world’s most modern and efficient aircraft family offering a 25 per cent step change in fuel efficiency compared to aluminium long-range competitors. It is already being dubbed ‘the hushliner’ by journalists as it is so quiet. It is a real game-changer in the market.

SP’s: Which part of the world looks like the most promising market at this point of time and why?

EADS: We see a number of key strategic markets in the world which are of particular significance for EADS. India is certainly one of them.