Airbus starts off strong at airshow

LONDON (WALA) - The Farnborough airshow near London is in full swing. It started early Monday morning with a major announcement from Aibus - the European plane maker that is building its first U.S. based manufacturing plant in Mobile.

Airbus has already made its presence known by signing a big contract early Monday.

Airbus CEO Fabrice Bregier started off the airshow Monday by giving British Prime Minister David Cameron a tour of an Airbus jet. Shortly after, Britain signed a $77.5 million contract for its first flight simulator of the Airbus A400M military transporter.

Airbus also announced improved versions of its long-haul A330 series of passenger jets, allowing for longer journeys between major world cities.

Airbus said the new models would bring "increased fuel efficiency thanks to aerodynamic refinements and engine enhancements."

The governors of Alabama, Florida and Mississippi are in London for the airshow, along with other government and business leaders. They are there to promote the growth of aviation along the Gulf Coast.

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley arrived in London from a trip to an Airbus plant and Mercedes facility in Germany. Those visits were part of the celebration of the announcement of a $600 million Airbus aircraft assembly plant at Brookley Field in Mobile.

FOX10 News Anchor Bob Grip is in London covering the airshow. He will have reports online and on-air throughout the week. He will also be posting updates on Facebook and Twitter about the airshow and the Gulf Coast's presence there.