The year was 1969 and Europe needed a smaller, lighter and more cost-effective passenger aircraft than American rivals. Fast-forward to 2019, Airbus is celebrated as a success of European cooperation, one of two kings of global civil aviation along with Boeing. It now produces passenger planes ranging in size up to the A380 jumbo jet, helicopters, fighter jets and is even involved in space exploration. Its story has been marked by setbacks, political turbulence and production problems but Airbus management believes it can confidently look forward to the next half century. "European aerospace should aspire to lead this coming revolution in innovation and the transition to a more sustainable aviation sector."

Source: Bangkok Post May 29, 2019 04:41 UTC