Airbus says revamped jet could trigger higher output

TOULOUSE, France: Europe’s Airbus could increase narrowbody aircraft production once a revamped version of its A320 medium-haul jet enters service in late 2015, a senior executive said.
“After we introduce the A320neo we could easily imagine going to rates like 44 per month, and in fact as we go toward the end of the decade, 50 a month,” said Tom Williams, executive vice-president of programs at Airbus, in a media briefing.
“We don’t need to make decisions on these things today. We want a sustainable industrial model,” he added.
Despite high orders for the latest fuel-saving models, last year Airbus suspended plans to go beyond a targeted production level of 42 a month for current A320s, which it has now reached.
Now Airbus and rival Boeing are once again discussing the prospect of increasing output to whittle down large backlogs after adopting a wait-and-see attitude during the downturn.
Demand is especially strong for revamped fuel-saving medium-haul models like the A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX.
EADS unit Airbus is pipping Boeing in the order race so far this year after losing first place in 2012.
It said it had sold 517 aircraft in the first five months, just ahead of Boeing’s tally.
Both companies are expected to unveil orders at the June 17-23 Paris Airshow.