Mayor: Airbus likely to hike output

Airbus is likely to increase aircraft output at its Mobile, Ala., plant beyond its current four-a-month target. That's according to Mayor Sandy Stimpson in an interview with Reuters. Airbus has said it could produce up to eight single-aisle jetliners a month at the plant, which had its inaugural opening last month. Stimpson said he based his view on public statements by Airbus and conversations with Airbus officials, not special knowledge of Airbus plans. An Airbus spokeswoman said the company plans to build four A320-family aircraft a month at the factory by 2017, and there are currently no plans to change that rate. Airbus has a backlog of 5,502 orders for A320-family planes, or nearly 11 years of production. (Source: Reuters, 10/13/15)