About This Blog:

The primary purpose of this blog is to showcase the best of my aviation photography. As such, you will find links to my main aviation gallery on Facebook containing photos from aircraft spotting, some kind of aviation event such as air shows and fly-in events, as well as aviation museums. I also critique my flights on commercial airlines and the services they provide. Occassionally, you'll find personally written, independent articles based on news and current events involving aviation. And of course, I'll put up links to official and unofficial aviation-related websites when I find them. And when time permits, I'll talk and discuss about anything involving aviation. But most importantly, this is my way to document my journey into the aviation industry!

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Happy 50th Anniversary to Airbus!

This day fifty years ago, an aerospace giant emerged following consolidation of several European aerospace companies. Founded in 1969, this multinational aerospace corporation is none other than Airbus, a designer, manufacture and seller of civil and military aerospace products on a worldwide scale. In five decades, Airbus achieved notable and praiseworthy milestones which includes the world's first twin-engine wide-body airliner, the A300, the first commercially viable digital fly-by-wire (FBW) airliner, the Airbus A320, and the world's largest passenger airliner, the A380. Airbus recently delivered their 12,000th aircraft, an A220 (formerly known as the Bombardier CSeries) to Delta Air Lines on May 20, 2019. In fifty years, the global Airbus fleet has conducted well-over 110 million flights carrying 12 billion passengers.

Wild Card Aviation Photography & Images wishes Airbus SE a Happy 50th Birthday and a huge congratulations for hitting 50 years! Aviation enthusiasts and pilots alike continue to look forward to future innovations and designs in the years to come.

A montage featuring some of Airbus' popular airliner models:

Airbus A300F4-600R (N147UP) operated by United Parcel Service - UPS Airlines arriving at Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City, Utah. The A300 holds the distinction as the world's first wide-body twin-jet airliner. While passenger versions are a rare sight these days, many A300s still serve as freighters.
Airbus A320-200 (N625VA) operated by Alaska Airlines departing Portland International Airport in Portland, Oregon. The A320 family pioneered the use of digital fly-by-wire flight control systems as well as side-stick controls in commercial aircraft.

Airbus A319-100 (N309NV) operated by Allegiant Air arriving at Provo Municipal Airport in Provo, Utah. The A319 is the first of two shortened versions of the A320 family (the second shrink being the A318, which only sold in small numbers).

Airbus A321-200 (N144AN) operated by American Airlines departing Portland International Airport in Portland, Oregon. American Airlines is currently the world's largest operator of the A320 family as well as the largest operator of the A321 sub-type; they are also the second largest operator of the A319 just behind EasyJet.

Airbus A330-300 (N802NW) operated by Delta Air Lines departing Portland International Airport in Portland, Oregon.

Airbus A330-200 (N361HA) operated by Hawaiian Airlines departing Portland International Airport in Portland, Oregon.

Airbus A320neo (N532VL) operated by Volaris arriving at Portland International Airport in Portland, Oregon. Launched in late-2010, the A320neo (neo = New Engine Option) family is a updated version of the A320ceo (ceo = Current Engine Option), re-engined with newer, larger, more efficient CFM International LEAP-1A or Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines and with large "sharklet" wingtip devices. This new generation of the A320 family is supposed to be 15% more fuel efficient.

Airbus A321neo (N923VA) formerly-operated by the now-defunct Virgin America, now operated by Alaska Airlines departing Portland International Airport in Portland, Oregon. Virgin America was the first airline to take delivery of the A321neo.

And just like how Airbus did when Boeing celebrated their Centennial anniversary three years ago, Boeing returns the same gesture, class, and respect to their aerospace rival for their 50th:


A rivalry that emphasizes respect and healthy competition within a lucrative industry! Well-said, Boeing! And congratulations again to Airbus for hitting the 50-year mark! May the next 50 years heading towards 100 be filled with continued innovation and new milestones!

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