Several years ago, when Airbus Industrie launched their twin-engined A 300 Airbus, it became apparent that a new generation of long-range aircraft was about to add a different facet to the shape of international air travel. The enormous power available from the big fan engines coming into use meant that adequate performance was available even when an engine failure meant the loss of half the installed thrust. Coupled to this was a standard of fuel economy and tank capacity which meant that the new aircraft were capable of operating over ranges far in excess of those previously attained by twin-engined aircraft.