It has been 54 years since Airbus was founded. Airbus was found on 18th of December, 1970, with it’s first product A300B. This has marked the starting point for the whole Airbus family A300, A310, A320, A330, A340, A350 and of course, the jumbo-jet A380. As these jets were all manufactured in Toulouse Blagnac Airport (LFBO), France, I’m proposing that we could fly at LFBO to celebrate the 54th anniversary of Airbus on the Expert server.
Further Airbus description is below(content may be long), this information was found on Airbus.com, if you want to know more, please visit their website.
About Airbus
Airbus is the largest aircraft company in Europe, mainly producing commercial aircraft, well known by it’s highly automated systems and the fly-by-wire system. Airbus also makes helicopter, and contributes to defence and space sectors. Having more than half a century of aircraft development and engineering experience, Airbus’ products have become lighter, safer, more comfortable and fuel-efficient.
Airbus commercial aircraft history:
Early Days (1967)
The A300 program began with an agreement between France, Germany and Britian. This collaboration leaded to the formation of Airbus.
Troubles and strife (1968-1969)
Airbus was considering reducing costs by changing the A300 to a twin-engine jet. Though Britian withdrawn, but the wing design from Hawker Siddeley and financial support from Germany leaded Airbus to success.
First order and flight (1970-1972)
In 1969, France and Germany approved the more efficient and smaller A300B with advanced tech and GE CF6 engines. One year later, in 1970 Airbus was formed, followed by the A300’s first flight in 1972 and a demo tour.
Champagne and drought (1973-1977)
In 1973, Airbus to A300 on a successful promotional tour across America impressing airlines with it’s performance, it’s fuel-efficiency made it attractive through the 1973 oil crisis. Though first sale is slow, but Airbus’s persistence led to critical deals in Asia.
Technology leaders (1977-1979)
The world’s first twin-engine wide-body aircraft A300 was introduced with advanced technologies. A300’s success let to A310 which improved advanced cockpit technology, starting the Airbus family.
Fly-By-Wire (1980-1987)
Airbus put its focus on A320 from other long-range aircraft due to the need of medium-range aircraft. A320’s fly-by-wire improved safety, efficiency and comfort.
The family grows (1988-1991)
By the end of 1988, Airbus had received more than 900 orders from 74 customers. Airbus launched A330 and A340 in 1987 to enhance efficiency and flexibility between models.
Expantion (1991-1992)
In the early 1990s, Airbus faced the challenges from Gulf War, which pushed ahead expanding the A320 Family by lunching A321, A319 and A318. Later in the same year, Airbus announced a plan for A3XX, assuming it to become the world’s largest passenger-jet.
Record Breakers (1993-2000)
Sales surged as new models like the A330 and A321 entered service, and Airbus celebrated its 1,000th delivery. In 2000, Airbus launched its new A3XX project which is soon named as A380, solidifying it’s global position.
Going global
The 9/11 event effected the aviation industries, while low-cost airliner finding Airbus A320-family aircraft ideal for their needs. Despite challenges, Airbus continued deliveries, achieving its 3,000th aircraft milestone in 2002 and surpassing its main rival in 2003.
The “wow” factor… and a new era dawns (2004-2007)
The A380’s unveiled on January 18, 2005, followed by a successful flight in April. The year marked Airbus’s continued growth, with A380 orders, milestones for the A320 Family, and expanded global engineering centers.
Challenges and achievements (2006-2009)
From 2006 to 2009, Airbus navigated various challenges, achieving the A380’s certification and launch, introducing the A350 XWB. By 2008, the A380 became a passenger favorite, recognized for its capacity and cmfort, further solidifying global position in the market.
Preparing the future (2009-2010)
In 2009, Airbus set a record with 498 aircraft deliveries, including its 4,000th A320 jetliner. The following years, development with A350XWB and introducing the A320neo with fuel-saving engines, leaded the aviation to eco-saving.
Confirming Airbus’ industry leadership (2011)
In 2011, Airbus achieved the record sales with 1,419 gross orders and 1,608 net orders, largely by the success of the A320neo. The year also included significant orders for various Airbus aircraft.
Higher production goals, new aircraft (2012)
In 2012, Airbus increased production rates across all the families. This year marked a key milestone, including the 5,000th A320 delivery, expanded A350 XWB development, and the debut of fuel-saving Sharklet wingtip devices.
Continuing the momentum (2013)
In 2013 A350 XWB took it’s test flights, the A400M military airlifter’s made it’s first delivery, and the 8,000th aircraft handover. Airbus also expanded globally, with a new U.S. assembly line and increased A320 Family demand.
Building on a record year (2014)
In 2013, Airbus delivered the first A350, lunching the A330neo, and debuting the A320neo’s maiden flight. it expanded globally with U.S and China facilities.
Preparing for the future (2015)
In 2015, Airbus made significant strides with the A350 XWB entering service. The U.S manufacture began the A320 family’s production, supporting Airbus’s plan to reach 60 single-aisle jets per month.
Boosting competitiveness with efficiency, innovation and diversity (2016)
Airbus delivered it’s 10,000th aircraft and launching the fuel-efficient A320neo and A330neo. They introduced the “Airspace by Airbus” cabin design, enhancing comfort and efficiency.
Airbus Commercial Aircraft positioned for the future (2017)
In 2017, Airbus delivered its 100th A350 XWB, certified the A350-1000, and initiating flight tests for the A330neo. For it’s single-aisle aircraft, the first A321neo was delivered, and 430 A320neo was sold.
Maintaining commercial aircraft market leadership (2018)
Emirates ordered 20 more Airbus A380s with options for 16 additional planes and ANA introduced its first A380 in 2018. Airbus also got the certificates for new models, and lunched the BelugaXL super transporter.
Rules:
-Pilots are to listen and follow ATCs’ commands, if not present, pilots should tune into the UNICOM frequency.
-Be respectful to others.
Server: Expert
Airport: LFBO/TLS
Time 2024-12-17T13:00:00Z → 2024-12-18T13:00:00Z
You can do fly Fly in / Fly out, or join the Formation flight group.
Formation flight
If you want to join, please message me to sign you in for the formation flight.
Please make sure you have free amount of time.
#1
2024-12-18T01:30:00Z
| Aircraft | Livery | Callsign | Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|
| A220-300 | Airbus | Airbus 10 | |
| A318-100 | Airbus(new) | Airbus 10 flight of 2 | @United403 |
| A319-100 | Generic | Airbus 10 flight of 3 | |
| A320-200 | Generic | Airbus 10 flight of 4 | |
| A321-200 | Generic | Airbus 10 flight of 5 | |
| A330-300 | Generic | Airbus 10 flight of 6 | |
| A330-900neo | Airbus | Airbus 10 flight of 7 | @UniqueAvgeek |
| A350-900 | Airbus (Factory Carbon) | Airbus 10 flight of 8 | @KSATplane_spotter |
| A380-800 | Airbus | Airbus 10 flight of 9 | @Apple_Haye |
| A318-100 | Infinite Flight 2018 | Airbus 10 flight of 10 |
#2
2024-12-18T06:30:00Z
| Aircraft | Livery | Callsign | Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|
| A220-300 | Airbus | Airbus 10 | |
| A318-100 | Airbus(new) | Airbus 10 flight of 2 | |
| A319-100 | Generic | Airbus 10 flight of 3 | |
| A320-200 | Generic | Airbus 10 flight of 4 | |
| A321-200 | Generic | Airbus 10 flight of 5 | |
| A330-300 | Generic | Airbus 10 flight of 6 | |
| A330-900neo | Airbus | Airbus 10 flight of 7 | @Olivia12 |
| A350-900 | Airbus (Factory Carbon) | Airbus 10 flight of 8 | @KSATplane_spotter |
| A380-800 | Airbus | Airbus 10 flight of 9 | @Apple_Haye |
| A318-100 | Infinite Flight 2018 | Airbus 10 flight of 10 |
#3
2024-12-18T10:30:00Z
| Aircraft | Livery | Callsign | Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|
| A220-300 | Airbus | Airbus 10 | |
| A318-100 | Airbus(new) | Airbus 10 flight of 2 | |
| A319-100 | Generic | Airbus 10 flight of 3 | |
| A320-200 | Generic | Airbus 10 flight of 4 | |
| A321-200 | Generic | Airbus 10 flight of 5 | |
| A330-300 | Generic | Airbus 10 flight of 6 | |
| A330-900neo | Airbus | Airbus 10 flight of 7 | @KSATplane_spotter |
| A350-900 | Airbus (Factory Carbon) | Airbus 10 flight of 8 | |
| A380-800 | Airbus | Airbus 10 flight of 9 | @Apple_Haye |
| A318-100 | Infinite Flight 2018 | Airbus 10 flight of 10 |
- The A318-100 with the Infinite Flight livery is used for filming/picturing.
For the formation flight, we will be at the Airbus Apron Ziegler.
A220-300 Z20
A318-100 Z60
A319-100 Z101
A320-200 Z40
A321-200 Z80
A330-300 Z70
A330-900neo Z110
A350-900 Z50
A380-800 Z90
A318-100(Cam) Z102
Block Time: 2:00
1st Pushback: BC3, A318, A319, A333, A339 / 2 min after, 2nd Pushback: A320, A321, A318(Cam), A359, A388
1st Taxi/GS 10: BC3, A318, A319, A333, A339 / 2nd Taxi/GS 15: A320, A321, A318(Cam), A359, A388
Blue: to RWY 32B Green: to RWY 14B / If ATC issued a vectored taxi route, follow each other.
Route
This is our flight plan for our formation flight
LFBO → TBS01 → 19TOU → CD14L → OSKAM(speed 215KIAS For others to catch up) → TLB → NETRO → GAI → CK400 → LAVKU(speed215KIAS) → BO514(6000ft) → BF310(climb to FL320 with a V/S of 2500 → KABOB → AGN → SECHE(FL320, speed mach .75) → SAU → MAPRI → BC408 → BTZ → ARSIG → TBM → TALOL → ADSER → MABIP → BF304 → IO32L → [D32L APP]/ILS APP → LFBO
- The whole flight takes about 1hr 15min, remember to take enough fuel, but not too heavy.
- I will consider turn on the autopilot’s autothrottle and height mode.
- press ACT.LEG before departure.
Pattern
Our flying pattern will be from left: BC3 → A318 → A319 → A320 → A321 → A333 → A339 → A359 → A388
The leader plane will be the BC3
- The distance between the flight leader and any of the other aircraft should not exceed 0.5 NM
- When turning, try make a 45° or higher bank turn (you can still keep your Autothrottle and height mode on, just beware that if you turn too much, the autopilot will disengage.)
Pilots are encouraged to fly Airbus planes with a Airbus livery, and ATCs are welcomed to join and control.
Check out for some of the airport’s details:
LFBO
Airport diagram
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (LFBO), located in Toulouse, France, is a dual-purpose airport serving both commercial aviation and as a hub for Airbus manufacturing and testing.
The airport handles both domestic and international flights, with destinations across Europe, North Africa, and North America, primarily supporting travelers and industry professionals involved with the aerospace sector.
It has two parallel runways at the middle of the airport:
Runway 32R/14L is 9925ft / 3025m long. This runway is usually used for commercial airliners and you could reach the gates within 5 minutes.
Runway 32L/14R is 11493ft / 3503m long. It is the longest and the busiest runway in the field! Many Airbus’s new aircraft started their first flight here.
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (LFBO) has one main terminal building with several distinct Terminals (Terminals A, B, C, and D) are designed to serve different airlines and types of flights.
Terminal A
Primarily handles domestic flights and flights to Schengen-zone destinations.
Serves airlines operating within France and nearby countries.
Terminal B
Handles both Schengen and some international flights.
Known for handling major European airlines, including some low-cost carriers.
Terminal C
Primarily used for non-Schengen international flights.
Designed to handle higher security requirements for international travel.
Terminal D
The newest and largest hall, opened to accommodate growing passenger demand.
Primarily handles international flights and is designed for larger volumes of travellers.
The other Airbus Terminals are basically used for cargo/test flights
See you all at Toulouse!