Transcript Issue 2.0 – Airbus A380

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In Issue 2.0 of Transcript, we take a look at companies, designers and people that inspire, assist and complement what we do. In a world where air travel is becoming increasingly mundane with more low cost airlines than innovative design companies, it is very hard to become enthused about the industry. Boeing the company that has long been the world leader aircraft design has been significantly challenged by Airbus from the EU over the last 20 years for dominance in the commercial aircraft industry. While Boeing has experienced 3 years of delays on its composite bodied 787 Dreamliner (initially scheduled for rollout in 2007), Airbus has stolen the spotlight with its A380 – the largest commercial passenger aircraft ever made.

Competition in any commercial sector always provides the end consumer with a better product offering and effectively better value. After recently travelling on the Airbus A380 from Tokyo to Singapore, I was amazed at the abundance of space and quietness of its cabin. This could partly be due to the discerning service provided by the beautifully dressed and manicured Singaporean air stewardesses but I digress. Transcript encourages other companies to follow Airbus’ lead. The A380 is 20% more fuel efficient than a 747 and has a 10% higher V-max speed whilst also producing 75g of CO2 per passenger – well below current international limits. By actively investing in innovation and new technologies the resulting product will not only force other companies to follow suit but also form new industries to support it. It is an aircraft that will reshape the way we travel.