It is often seen as a matter of pride and a marketing advantage to be the launch customer for a new type of aircraft, or even a new variant of an existing model. This holds true for Airbus aircraft, where different carriers have had the distinction of being the first to fly each variant.
"Being a launch customer for a new type - and sometimes new variant of an existing type - is something to be proud of and something to emphasize in marketing."
This article explores which airlines were the initial customers for various Airbus planes.