Monday, January 13, 2014

Airbus eyes higher output

Airbus is exploring higher output of A320 single-aisle and A350 wide-body aircraft, following a similar move by Boeing, to help shorten the wait time for customers following its highest order intake ever last year. Airbus now builds 42 of its workhorse single-aisle jets a month, and production could rise to 44 or 46 in early 2016, said Tom Williams, Airbus executive vice president for programs. Output of the updated A320neo could rise to about 50 after 2018, and the 10-a-month rate targeted for A350s in 2018 could go to 14 thereafter, the company said. (Source: Bloomberg, 01/13/14) Gulf Coast note: Airbus is building an A320 final assembly line in Mobile, Ala.; Previous