Airbus holds jet output stable in face of crisis warnings - sources

Airbus is set to reaffirm its aircraft production rates, despite warnings that the coronavirus crisis will be deeper and longer than expected, industry sources said on Thursday. After cutting output of its best-selling A320neo single-aisle jet at the start of the crisis, the European planemaker has subjected its targets to a fresh internal review as a second wave of COVID-19 prompts new government restrictions in Europe. But although it weighed further trimming its monthly output of 40 A320neos, down from 60 before the crisis, this week’s review determined Airbus will hold the line on output for now. “There are no signs of slowing; the contrary in fact,” a senior industry source said of the A320neo output. Airbus declined to comment. The decision is good news for hundreds of suppliers at risk from volatility in output rates. But it puts pressure on Airbus to keep up deliveries and find homes for some 170 jets already waiting for ailing airlines to collect them.<br/>