Airbus Goes Ahead With Jumbo Jet Plans

Airbus said its planned 555-seat jumbo jet, the A380, will soar from the drawing board into the sky on schedule, despite the dramatic airline downturn after the Sept. 11 terror attacks on the United States.

Airbus says the $250-million plane, aimed at dislodging Boeing Co.’s venerable 747 as the dominant jumbo, will make its first flight as scheduled in 2004 and enter service in 2006.

Germany’s Lufthansa put talks about an order of up to 15 planes on hold after Sept. 11 as part of a freeze on all big investments. But Airbus says 10 other companies that have decided to buy the first 67 planes remain on board.