Airbus continues to strengthen its partnership with Poland

Airbus, leading aircraft manufacturer and Technology Partners, Polish foundation of major applied research organisations announced their intention to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on research and technology projects. Thus Airbus continues to strengthen its partnership with Poland.

This agreement will be based on aerospace research and technology developments and is planned to begin this year. In the context of the European Programmes for Research and Technology Development, research projects have been identified in a number of fields including, surface technologies, materials science, ergonomics and environmental technologies, mathematical modelling and measurement and testing.

This multi-year co-operation will bring mutual benefits to both parties as it provides a chance for Polish scientific, industrial, university experts and Airbus to create innovative solutions by using advanced technology that may later be applied in the aeronautic industry.

As a European company, Airbus has been benefiting from Polish expertise in aircraft production for almost nine years and continues to expand its co-operation with Polish aviation industry. Airbus and its main shareholder EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space company) will continue to lead as the most important investor and customer for the Polish aerospace industry with an estimated USD 140 million worth of investment and purchase in Poland between 1998 and 2008.

Airbus' industrial cooperation with Poland started with PLZ Swidnik in May 1997, which supplies bulk cargo-doors and passenger-door mechanisms, as well as fire-protection for both the A320 and A330/A340 Families. The co-operation with Airbus expanded with the involvement of the aircraft manufacturer EADS PZL Okecie which assembles the floor grid sections for A320 Family. The company delivered the first parts for the A320 Family in October 2004. The factory was chosen to participate in Airbus’ production process due to its aerospace expertise and skilled workforce. Further orders for Polish industry included an eight million euros floating transfer station for the Airbus A380, built by the Gdansk-based Stocznia Remontowa S.A. and the production of parts for the A380 landing gear shock absorbers by Goodrich-Krosno.

The year 2005 was a record year for Airbus in terms of deliveries, order intakes as well as profitability. Airbus delivered 378 airliners, bringing the company's sales up to 22,1 billion euros. With 1,111 new orders, valued at USD 95,9 billion, Airbus continued to outsell its competitor for the fifth consecutive year.

The A320 single-aisle Family of aircraft played a large part in this success being the best selling aircraft of 2005 - With 40 million flight hours to date, more than 2600 aircraft delivered, over 4,300 aircraft ordered and over 170 operators, the A318, A319, A320 and A321 Family make up the world's best selling single-aisle aircraft family. The easily adaptable and comfortable cabin, most modern and complete fly-by-wire technology available on any single-aisle aeroplane as well as low fuel burn, emissions and noise footprints in its class, are reasons why A320 has established itself as a preferred choice with traditional as well as low cost airlines.

Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive product line on the market, Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the U.S., China, Japan and in the Middle East. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS joint company with BAE Systems.

Technology Partners is a centre of advanced technology, focused on performing large interdisciplinary joint research projects with 800 researchers employed. Technology Partners promotes development of the Polish science and technology sector and is supervised by Minister of Education and Science.

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