Airbus could hike output again

Airbus could commit to a new hike in production of its A320 family of jetliners before the end of the year, Reuters reports, but a final decision depends in large part on the health of the supply chain. Sales chief John Leahy made the prediction days after the European plane maker announced plans to raise production from 42 planes a month now to 50 a month in 2017, almost matching a monthly rate of 52 targeted by Boeing for the following year. (Source: Reuters, 03/09/15) Gulf Coast note: Airbus this year will open an A320 final assembly line in Mobile, Ala.