Airbus Jets

Airbus was created in 1967 by an agreement between France, Germany and the UK that Europe needed to stake a claim in the aviation industry. The tri-government consortium delivered the A300 (the world's first twin-engine widebody) seven years later, marking the advent of a company intent on giving American big shots like Boeing and McDonnell Douglas a run for their money. From day one, Airbus aircraft have been distinct for their global manufacturing - with specific parts and structures produced in a variety of different countries including France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and most recently, China.

Forever in competition with Boeing, the A319 CJ corporate jet was Airbus' response to the Boeing BBJ, and made its debut at the Paris Air Show in 1997. Designed with maximum flexibility in mind, the 319 CJ incorporates custom interiors, removable auxiliary fuel tanks and can easily be reconfigured to an airliner.

Airbus expanded its corporate jetliner family in 2005 with the introduction of its smallest model, the A318 Elite. This model is ideal for the medium-range market and comes with a choice of two cabin layouts, seating a maximum of 18 passengers.

Airbus is in the process of developing a biofuel and hopes for it to be available for use by the year 2030.