Airbus left waiting for expanded AirAsia a330neo jet deal: Sources

Airbus has failed to break deadlock with AirAsia over the fate of a multi-billion-dollar order seen as key to the future of its A330neo passenger jet, people familiar with the matter said. AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes visited the planemaker this week for talks aimed at shoring up and increasing the existing order for 66 jets, but left Toulouse without signing a deal after what one source described as challenging talks. The future of the deal with the airline's AirAsia X long-haul unit is crucial to the latest version of the A330, a key source of profits at the European group. Sources say relations between Airbus and AirAsia, which has ordered almost 600 single-aisle jets, have deteriorated following management changes at the planemaker and due to differences over prices and advance payment schedules. <br/>