British Airways To Show Off A380s In Paris Airshow

The manufacturer agreed with the airline to bring the aircraft to the show, having previously done the same with a Korean Air A380 at the Paris show two years ago and a Malaysia Airlines A380 at Farnborough last year.

British Airways is due to take delivery of its first A380, configured with 469 seats, in July.

The aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines.

Airbus says that the A380 "will take centre stage during the first few days of the show", to be followed by one of the manufacturer's flight-test aircraft later in the week.

It is using the type to promote a new advertising campaign under the banner "Own the Sky".

Airbus's air transport presence at the Paris show will be underpinned by an A320 fitted with sharklet wing-tips, an A330 and a corporate ACJ318.

While the manufacturer will be showing a full-sized A350 cockpit and cabin section, Airbus has not indicated whether the initial test aircraft is likely to carry out its first flight before the show.

Wings for all the Airbus range of aircraft are built at the Broughton, Flintshire factory.

An Airbus spokesman said commercial announcements are also expected to be made during the week long event.

“Various commercial aircraft will be delivered to customers during the show, including Sharklet equipped A320s, an A330, and the 100th Airbus Military C295.

“An Airbus ACJ318 which has the widest and tallest cabin of any business jet will also be on static display,” he added.

The full-size A350 XWB cockpit and cabin section can be walked through at the EADS pavilion.