Merger could give Airbus A350 launch customer

Published 9:00 pm Thursday, May 19, 2005

That’s what Business Standard in India is reporting — although it looks to me like they picked up the story from Financial Times in London.

In any case, Financial Times says Airbus is putting up $250 million to help finance the merger of US Airways and America West, in return for an order for 20 A350s.

Key Quote, from Henri Courpron, chief executive of Airbus North America: “While there are still many hurdles to be cleared we are proud these two big customers of Airbus are going to stand by our company and our product. They will be one of our launch customers.”

http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?storyflag=y&leftnm=lmnu1&leftindx=1&lselect=1&chklogin=N&autono=189519

Airbus’ other big hope for A350 orders is Emirates. Here’s a story from British financial news service AFX, saying the order will likely come at the Paris air show:

http://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/afx/2005/05/08/afx2008415.html

And here’s another from AFX, which says Emirates is denying there’s a deal:

http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/afx/2005/05/08/afx2008434.html