Airbus is said to miss a320neo delivery goal on engine woes

Airbus will miss its delivery target for Pratt & Whitney-powered A320neo narrow-body jets this year, after problems with the engines caused an almost 3-month halt in shipments, people familiar with the matter said. The planemaker expects to deliver 30 to 40 fewer of the aircraft than previously anticipated. Airbus had planned to hand over about 210 of the Pratt-powered jets -- one of two engine options for the A320neo -- during the rest of this year. It could get closer to that target if Pratt can accelerate engine production beyond current levels. The delays on Airbus’s hottest selling model threaten to expose the planemaker and Pratt to late penalties from frustrated customers. The tardiness also will pressure Airbus’s effort to ramp up production generally, reducing room for manoeuvring in its schedule. <br/>