Saab gets major A380 wing deal

Saab AB and Airbus have signed a full business agreement for the Mid and Outer Fixed Leading Edge on the A380 wing. The agreement covers development and production of the fixed leading edge, and Saab is a risk sharing partner in the A380 program.

The contract is worth US$1 billion over the next twenty years.

"We're very pleased to have finalised the contract. It represents a long- term commitment to an aviation programme that Saab has great faith in," says Pontus Kallen, the new head of Saab Aerostructures and current head of Saab Commercial Programmes.

Saab is responsible for the development and production of the Mid & Outer Fixed Leading Edge for the wing with support from the Swedish National Debt office in this important industrial effort. The A380 programme will be an important foundation project for Saab Aerostructures for many years to come.

The first Mid & Outer Fixed Leading Edge for the Airbus A380 was delivered to Airbus in May 2003. 31 metres in length, this is the largest single component that Saab has ever manufactured. The Airbus A380 will be the world's largest passenger aircraft, with capacity for 555 passengers. Its maiden flight is slated for the early 2005, and deliveries to customers will begin in 2006.

Saab has co-operated with Airbus since 1997, and has developed and is producing components for the A340 - 500/600 and the A320. Co-operation with respect to the A380 began with concept studies in 1997.

REF XQQEE XQQCR XQQTY