News story

1st April 2001

Victory for Airbus

Northavon MP Steve Webb, who represents many of those working for Bae Airbus at Filton, has warmly welcomed the news that Boeing has cancelled plans to develop a new “super Jumbo” to rival the A380 Airbus whose wings are manufactured at Filton. The new double-decker Airbus has already secured key orders from long-haul operators such as Singapore Airlines, and the decision of Boeing not to challenge the A380 leaves the market wide open for more sales. The MP, who had successfully lobbied the Government to give Airbus refundable financial support to develop the A380, said that this decision was a credit both to the workforce and a proper reward for the risk that had been taken.

Steve Webb said:

“At a time when there is so much bad news around, the news that Airbus has seen off Boeing in this vital sector of the market is tremendously encouraging. Everyone involved with the project can feel proud that they have helped to develop a world-beating aircraft, and I hope that this news will secure jobs at Filton for many years to come”.

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