Airbus to boost production of mid-size jets
04 Feb 2011
With the world's airlines expecting strong growth, European jet manufacturer Airbus said Thursday it intends to speed up production of its medium-sized, twin-aisle aircraft, the A330, by 25 per cent. The Toulouse-based manufacturer said this will be done in phases.
Airbus said initially it would boost production from eight aircraft monthly to nine next year and then up to 10 A330s monthly by early 2013.
''We are increasing the production rate for the A330 family due to the strong market demand for the aircraft,'' said Tom Williams, Airbus' executive vice president.
Boeing and Airbus expect a 20-year demand of between 6,500 and 7,100 medium-sized jets.
Airbus' new A350 Extra Wide Body jet is also due for delivery by 2013.
Three years of delay on rival Boeing's 787 Dreamliner programme has also helped create higher demand for a similarly sized jet – a slot that Airbus' A330 fills adequately.
Airbus delivered 33 jets to customers last month.
.webp)
