U.S. Partners Play Key Role in Aircraft's Development and Production

Toulouse, France - The M.C. Gill Corporation Group of Companies celebrates the first flight of the Airbus A380 as one of the U.S. suppliers that produced components for the world's largest passenger aircraft. The A380 completed its first test flight in Toulouse, France marking a milestone in aviation history for the largest airplane produced in 50 years.

M.C. Gill Corporation was key among suppliers, producing state-of-the-art composite cockpit floors at its El Monte, California manufacturing facility. Detailing of the floor panels was completed at M.C. Gill Corporation Europe Ltd in Northern Ireland. M.C. Gill worked with Airbus to create the safest, most advanced products for the A380. Additional machined honeycomb parts were manufactured at Alcore Brigantine in France, one of the Group of Companies. The main challenge was applying new technologies while meeting cost and schedule targets.

"The most important achievement through this partnership has been the opportunity to make a mark on the future of aviation," Irv Freund, VP Sales and Marketing said after the flight. "We are thrilled to be working with Airbus and to be a member of the A380 team."

"Airbus is proud to work with the M.C. Gill Corporation Group of Companies, who believed in the success of the A380 and worked hard to help us realize Airbus' vision," said Airbus North America Chairman Allan McArtor. "This first flight is the culmination of a pioneering effort by all those involved on the A380 project. The maiden flight pays tribute to all the cooperation and hard work the American workforce has been dedicated to for the past 101 years of flight."

The A380 is expected to enter service in 2006 after further rigorous flight tests and certification. Airbus has 154 orders for the A380 aircraft and commitments from 15 customers worldwide.

For additional information:

George Sorensen - Marketing Communications Manager
M.C. Gill Corporation
Phone: 626 443-4022
Fax: 626 350-5880
Email: info@mcgillcorp.com
www.mcgillcorp.com

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