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With 50 firm commitments (plus options) from well-known airlines around the world, Airbus officially launches its A380 programme. The 555-seat double-decker aircraft will be the largest passenger aircraft in the world. First deliveries are due in 2006.
EADS International is founded. The new organisation provides sales and marketing services across the world for EADS products. It is headed by Jean Paul Gut and has more than 30 offices worldwide.
The European Commission gives its approval for the four-nation Airbus consortium to become an integrated company. The company will be 80% owned by EADS and 20% by BAE Systems.
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EADS CEO Rainer Hertrich is elected President of AECMA (European Association of Aerospace Industries) at its annual meeting. He will hold this position for one year.
A new era in aerospace mergers begins with the official start of operations for Europe’s largest aerospace company. EADS is offering 30% of its shares on the Frankfurt, Madrid and Paris stock exchanges. The Lagardère Group together with the French state holds a 30% share, DaimlerChrysler also holds 30% and the Spanish SEPI a 5.5% share. Existing Aerospatiale Matra shares will be exchanged for EADS shares at a 1:1 ratio.
