The Airchive - Airbus Toulouse, France and Miami Training Center Planespotting

A380 Development Simulators
These rare images are the A380 development simulators. The 3 simulators are attached to the iron bird (not pictured) to simulate all aircraft systems. The enclosure on the left is the first true 360 degree sim for the SuperJumbo. These are not motion systems, but rather development devices.

	Airbus A380 Model at the Factory As of February 2004, when I visited the Airbus Factory at Toulouse , France, this A380 was the largest example in the world. In May 2003, final assembly of all the components began with rollout scheduled around years end. The first flight of the world's largest commercial airliner occurred in March 2005 (following a January roll-out), with airline service beginning in mid 2006. Airchive was fortunate enough to visit and photograph selected locations of the massive plant in connection with a documentary I am overseeing for TLC produced by Darlow-Smithson Productions on the building of the Airbus A380. In fact, as I write this I am on my way to Dallas to tape John Travolta hosting our 3 part series, the first installment which premieres in June 2004. The visit to Toulouse was truly a personal highlight and I can't thank the folks at Airbus, Darlow Smithson's Tom Brisley and Sylvan Pascaud enough for this amazing opportunity. Over the day, we visited the A330/340 flightline, engineering HQ for the A380, the A380 factory undergoing construction, the amazing full size mock-ups of the A340-600 and A380 at the mock-up center, the delivery center, Beluga operations, A320 components depots, all capped off by a magnificent lunch in the Airbus VIP Club. Airbus allowed me to photograph many locations on the condition that they approve the images, which I am sharing with you.

	Airbus A380 Transport Ship Since the dawn of Airbus, most large components have been transferred between Spain, the UK, and final assembly points in Toulouse , France and Hamburg, Germany by air; first via Guppy and then by A300-800 ST "Beluga". Due to the enormity of the fuselage, wings, and vertical stabilizer, Airbus has commissioned a specially built ship to transport the components to Toulouse . This model represents the vessell which should be operational a year or so into the production program.
	A380 Development Simulators These rare images are the A380 development simulators. The 3 simulators are attached to the iron bird (not pictured) to simulate all aircraft systems. The enclosure on the left is the first true 360 degree sim for the SuperJumbo. These are not motion systems, but rather development devices.
	A380 Promotional Bus The A380 project is the pride of Europe and France, but that doesn't mean it escapes controvery. Among the controversies - Due to the size of the components, some must pass through small towns in France which is upsetting to some residents. Airbus astutely has this "rolling public relations program" to educate citizens on the program.
	A380 Headquarters This rather inauspicious building is the headquarters for the entire A380 program.
	Three A320s under construction. Most final assembly of the A320s are in Toulouse . Once in airworthy condition, they are flown to Hamburg, Germany for painting and interior installation. Delivery takes place in Hamburg or Toulouse depending on the buyer. The A318, A319, and A321 are fully assembled in Hamburg, Germany.
	Airbus A300-600 Freighter Amazingly, over thirty years after the type first entered service, the A300 line still soldiers on. A300s are passing out of front line passenger service, but have found much success as freighters. The line continues to build many such as these unfinished examples for customers such as Federal Express and UPS.

	Airbus A320 Components Most A320 main components are manufactured in France, Spain, the UK, and Germany. Airbus transports them via Beluga to Toulouse where they are held prior to entering the final assembly hall. Airbus runs an astoundingly efficent operation using the "just in time" technique of delivering components just prior to assembly, that pervades manufacturing these days. These components for the most part arrive pre-wired with harnesses and cabling, expediting the final assembly.

	Aeroflot A320 Most A320s return from Hamburg to Toulouse for final delivery. This factory fresh A320 is destined for Russia's Aeroflot. Aeroflot has undergone a complete metamorphosis, even in the last five years. Where not too long ago, it was a relic of the Soviet area, today it is moving toward being world class. This example is seen in the 2003 new livery. The lively image features a silverish paint finish ala Virgin and the new Northwest image while the tail boasts shades of the Delta 2000 scheme.
	Iberia A320 Iberia Airlines of Spain is a large customer for Airbus, moving in fact to an all Airbus fleet. This A320 "Trujillo" is just days away from final delivery to Madrid.
	Valueair A320 As of February 2004, when I visited the Airbus Factory at Toulouse , France, this A380 was the largest exa
	A330/340 Factory This facility was built from the late 1980s and early 1990s to support the A330/340 program. As groundbreaking as the A300 and A320 were to the company, the A330/340 programs established Airbus as a global force and true threat to its Seattle based rival. This line will be home to the cutting edge new Dreamliner challenge, the A350.



	A340-600 Even following the inaguration of the A380 SuperJumbo, the Airbus A340-600 will still be the world's longest airliner. In a move reminiscent of the DC-8, the A340 was always planned for a massive stretch. The 600, launched by Virgin, is proving to be such a success that it is replacing 747-400s for such iconic carriers such as Virgin and Lufthansa.

	A340-500 Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines The A340-500 is the worlds longest range airliner. Singapore Airlines flies the "A345 Leadership" on the worlds longest airline route, LAX-Singapore Changi nonstop with JFK-Singapore to follow before years end. Time aloft is nearly 18 hours. Singapore shrewdly has adopted a two-class service with an enhanced economy product featuring wider seats and increased pitch..
	A330/340 Delivery Flightline Examples from Swiss, Lufthansa, and new customer Northwest await final testing and customer acceptance.
	A340-300 Swiss Airlines This A340-500 awaits final painting, outside the A330/340 final assembly hall. After getting off to a slow start in 1991, the A340 has become a world beater long-haul aircraft and is now a strong competitor in the long-haul high end, giving such competitors as the Boeing 747 and 777 strong competition. In fact, many airlines such as South African and Iberia have replaced their classic 747s with A340s.
	A318 at Toulouse The new "Baby Bus" is the A318 which Airbus is using to pursue the top end of the RJ market and bottom end of the medium haul market. Launched by TWA but never operated by the carrier, the A318 has thus far been a slow seller but if history is indication, this program will be a resounding success. The A318 is very close in size and capacity to the 737-500 and 737-600. Frontier Airlines has become one of the latest operators of the type.
	A300-600 Super Transporter "Beluga" Airbus construced and operates 5 of these purpose built freighters based on the A300. The "Beluga" replaced the Guppy in transporting large components between Airbus manufacturing plants in the UK, France, Spain, and Germany.If you look closer to the left at the cockpit image, you will see where the forward fuselage flips up to allow loading of components. Reportedly, this aircraft is surprisingly stable and docile to fly. Launched in 1995, the Beluga has become the backbone of Airbus shipping operations but is also chartered for transporting bulky pieces such as rocket boosters for the European Space Agency. The Beluga, however, can't swallow most A380 components, thus requiring the construction of a purpose built ship (seen above).

	Airbus Headquaters
	Airbus Mock-Up Center Consider this place the ultimate show room. Pictures were off limits inside, so a description will have to do. Inside, is a full length mock-up of an A319 Corporate Jet, A340-600, and the massive A380. Once in these mock-ups, you feel like you're in the real thing. Thus, in many ways they are Airbus' ultimate marketing tool. Words don't do this facility justice, but suffice to say for me it was the most impressive part of the tour.
	Concorde F-WTSB This was the first French production Concorde. The 3rd actual French manufactured Concorde, it first flew in June, 1973. It was retired to Toulouse in 1985. Even though it is painted in Air France colors, it never flew commercially. Toulouse was the site of the first flight of Concorde, on February 3, 1969 - the same month of the first 747 flight.
	Sud Aviation "La Belle" Caravelle The Caravelle, like the Concorde, was originally manufactured in Toulouse . It surely is in the top five of the most elegant airliners ever built, with the tear drop windows being its most distinguishing feature. The Caravelle was the worlds first twin engine short haul jet, entering service in 1960 beating the Americans by 4 years! It was a reasonable success with production spanning nearly 25 years up to the Caravelle III. United Airlines was a large operator in the U.S.

	ATR Line This is the less glamorous part of the Toulouse operation, ATR. For years, ATR was a constant money maker for the company and has been the backbone of many regional airlines. An excellent aircraft, enjoying a resurgance as the small RJ market slows. These ATR-72s sit on the ramp awaiting final painting and delivery.

	Airbus Training Center - Miami Airbus has a formidable presence in Miami, with its U.S. training and Corporate Jet Operations based here. Why Miami? Miami was the HQ for Airbus' first customer in America, the now defuncty Eastern Airlines. Airbus basically gave Eastern the use of 4 A-300s for 6 months back in 1977 for next to free. The risk paid off. The A-300 was a such a sterling performer for EA that they ordered many more, establishing a beachhead in the U.S. for Airbus. The training center services Airbus customers from all over the world, not just Latin America. Until building its own facility a few years ago, Jet Blue was the largest customer with every pilot passing through the Miami Training Center. The wholly owned training center, built in 1999, boasts sims for the A330/340, A319/320/321, and 300/310 programs. An A380 sim is just a matter of time, though UPS and FedX reportedly will operate their own. They are booked nearly 24/7. Airbus North America sales HQ and parts remains in Dulles, Virginia. Special Thanks for the tour to: Bill Rivenbark, Airbus

	Model Case
	GE CF-6 Model This is the engine that powers many an A300
	Concorde model F-BVFA This is a model of the Air France Concorde that now resides at the Udvar-Hazy Smithsonian Museum outside Dulles, VA. This was Air France's high time Concorde, flying its last journey in May, 2003. See the real thing by linking here.
	Concorde model F-BVFA This is a model of the Air France Concorde that now resides at the Udvar-Hazy Smithsonian Museum outside Dulles, VA. This was Air France's high time Concorde, flying its last journey in May, 2003. See the real thing by linking here.
	Airbus A-320 model
	Airbus A-321 model
	Airbus A-320 Simulator model
	Airbus A-330-300 model
	Airbus A-330-200 model
	Airbus A-330-200 model and CF6 engine
	Airbus A-340-300 model

	Airbus A-380-800 model

	Airbus ACJ model Miami is the U.S. HQ for Airbus' corporate jet program. Though A-320s fly in executive conversions in North America, there has only been 1 order for a brand new U.S. registered ACJ.

	Airbus ACJ Mock Up
	Airbus A-320 Simulators
	Airbus A-320 Simulator
	Airbus A-330/340 Simulator
	Airbus A-320 Door
	Airbus A-320 Evacuation Cabin
	Airbus Crew Evacuation Slide
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