Airbus has thrown its support behind the New Zealand Aerospace challenge, which asks university students and start-up companies to find solutions to environmental problems.

Airbus has delivered the first two of 12 MRH90 helicopters equipped for special operations to the Australian Army’s 6th Aviation Regiment, and is looking to expand its support for the Special Forces with a new platform.

From the point of view of the aviation enthusiast, it was an awesome sight. From the point of view of the rational aviation journalist, it was a sobering backdrop to a growing debate about the future of an aircraft type which first entered line service with Singapore Airlines 12 years ago with an economic promise

Airbus chief executive Tom Enders says the decision to end production of the A380 by 2021 is a painful one for everyone involved in the program.