Airbus’s star jet has been grounded after clipping a wing on a taxiway structure, the latest in an embarrassing string of incidents for the European plane-maker at the aviation industry’s premier showcase.

Two flight recorders that could unravel the cause of an Air France crash almost two years ago have arrived at French investigators’ headquarters in a high security operation.

BRITISH Airways, which has flown under a series of names in its history, celebrated its 90th anniversary yesterday.

AN INTACT Air France Flight 447 slammed belly first into the Atlantic Ocean at a high speed, a top French investigator has said, adding that problems with the plane’s speed sensors were not the direct cause of the crash.

EXPERTS say autopsies on victims of the Air France disaster suggest the plane broke up in the air.

Aircraft manufacturer Airbus boosted its flagging spirits this week after unveiling record orders at the Paris air show.

Aerospace firms from both sides of the border aiming to cut deals at the Paris Airshow this week.

Aerospace group Rolls-Royce today said it had won an $800m (€663.3m) jet engine deal from Air China.

When the new 550-seater Airbus A-380 debuts at the Paris Air Show next week, two Irish firms will have played their part.

THE Paris Air Show, the world’s premiere aviation showcase, opened to the public, flying buffs and professionals yesterday in the grip of the worst crisis in aviation history.