THE UK aviation industry is celebrating the removal of any rival to the European Airbus superjumbo aircraft which will create 22,000 British jobs.

US plane-making competitor Boeing has decided not to go ahead with plans for its own superjumbo.

This now gives a clear run to the 555-seater double-decker Airbus A380 superjumbo whose wings are being built by UK company BAE Systems.

Eight airlines, including Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic, have already placed more than 60 firm orders for the A380 which will go into service in 2006.

Airbus said that it was "not surprised" at the news from Boeing.

The European company has always maintained that there will be huge demand for larger aircraft in the future - a view not shared by Boeing.

"All forecasts show that passenger traffic will double over the next ten years and that's why the A380 will be needed," said an Airbus spokesman.

Instead of working on a superjumbo, Boeing will now concentrate on developing a long-range aircraft capable of travelling at high altitudes and meeting tough noise control measures.