When the European aircraft manufacturer launched its first aircraft program - the A300 - in May 1969, the commercial jet aircraft market was entirely dominated by the United States.

Today, Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive families of aircraft on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats.

From the A300 to the 21st century flagship - the A380, and further to the A350 XWB, Airbus has been continually implementing new ideas. Airbus' global leadership today is driven by constant innovation. "The pioneering spirit of our engineers as well as Airbus' continuous strive for innovationhave made us a global market leader," Enders said.

To maintain continuous innovation to ensure its sustainable growth, Airbus invests heavily in research and technology (R&T).

Since the introduction of jet engine aircraft, the air transport industry has achieved enormous improvements in economic efficiency and the environmental performance of aircraft.

Through innovation and out-of-the-box thinking, Airbus will continue to meet its eco-efficiency goals and ensure that air travel continues to be one of the safest and most eco-efficient means of transportation. That's where R&T comes in.

Working together with governments, industries, research institutes and universities around the world, Airbus focuses on finding the best solutions to some of aviation's most important questions, meeting and even going beyond its customers' and society's needs.

To satisfy these needs, technologies and innovations have to deliver significant improvements, a step-change in efficiency and performance, and benefit and contribute to the growth of the industry on a global scale..

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More than 3,000 people at Airbus are working on over 400 R&T projects that have been regrouped into 100 major projects to further improve efficiency.

More than 90 percent of Airbus' annual R&D investment of over 2 billion euros (about $2.5 billion) has environmental benefits for current and future aircraft. Airbus files more than 600 patent applications each year.

Airbus' R&T efforts are achieved on a global scale.

No one nation working on its own could have achieved what has been collectively achieved.

R&T investment stimulates economies. It is estimated by governments and institutions alike that an investment of 100 million euros (about $126.8 million) in aeronautic R&T increases GDP by 700 million euros ($888 million) over 10 years, and has a spin-off effect spurring breakthroughs in many other industries.

Secondarily R&T ensures stability: Investment drives economic growth, creativity and education by reaching the younger generation and encouraging them to choose science and engineering.

Innovation has been a key driver of Airbus' ongoing success and is the key to its future.