1.3.2 Customer focused Engineering in Airbus A380 programme

Abstract

AbstractAt the very beginning of a new program, the environment is not stable because nobody is able to know the answers to the future needs from the previous solutions. In this phase, it is necessary to brain storm with potential customers in order to identify new ideas that are emerging and to learn very fast from the feedback, because the target is moving.The elicitation of the basic ideas allows the preparation of a consistent framework of top level requirements and design solutions. It is a factor of critical success for the continuation of the project.Since the beginning of the development of A380, Airbus has organized many workshops (Customer Focus Group / CFG) with Airline companies who are potential customers of the A380, Airports and other stakeholders. These events give the opportunity to elicit customers needs and to provide visibility on design. This is supported by a process that covers: customer requests capture and validation during workshop or during bilateral meeting; processing of the request feedback and acknowledgment by the customer In addition, the repository used to manage the requests and answers is a source for Top Level Requirements that drives the development of the A380.The role of the CFG is fundamental to support communication between airlines customers and Airbus specialists from all disciplines. It allows establishing a common and clear vision of the purposes to be achieved by the new product.This paper presents the engineering process deployed by Airbus to guarantee the consideration of the customer point of view and ensure its satisfaction on the final product.