Airbus maintains delivery guidance despite engine delays

Airbus Group said it still expects to meet its delivery targets this year, days after engine supplier United Technologies Corp warned it would fall short of plans. “We confirm our 2016 delivery guidance of at least 650 aircraft,” a spokesman for Airbus said Monday. Managing suppliers has become an important challenge for Airbus and rival Boeing as they boost output of some of their most popular jetliners after years of strong demand. Airbus also is running behind in delivering its A350 long-range jet after Zodiac Aerospace fell behind in the production of some components. Airbus uses the Pratt & Whitney engine to power its new A320neo narrow-body. A Jefferies analyst said in a note Monday that the engine situation could affect delivery of about 12 A320neo planes. <br/>