Work starts on 555-seat superjumbo

Airbus has started production of its 555-seat superjumbo airliner that is scheduled to enter service in 2006 as the world’s largest passenger jet.

The company said the traditional ‘‘first metal cut’’ for the construction of the airliner took place on schedule at its factory in the western French city of Nantes.

Despite the dramatic downturn in the airline industry since September 11 and plans by Airbus to cut its work force by 20%, the company says the A380 will soar from the drawing board into the sky on schedule in four years.

Aimed at dislodging Boeing’s venerable 747 as the dominant jumbo, the A380 is a prestige project in the European jet maker’s long-running battle with its Chicago-based competitor.

Parts for the A380 are to be manufactured at various Airbus sites around Europe and will be transported by land and sea to Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse in October 2003.

Airbus, a European consortium, says the £173 million plane with two wide-body decks will make its first flight in 2004 and enter service in 2006. The company also is sticking with its prediction of steady growth in passenger traffic and a solid market for big airliners toward 2010 and beyond.

So far, Airbus has 97 firm orders and commitments for the A380. Already signed up as buyers are Air France, leasing company International Lease Finance Corporation, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Virgin, Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airlines, and Federal Express.