Airbus is aiming to boost production of its popular A320neo family of single-aisle aircraft by close to 18 per cent from the second half of next year in a rare piece of good news for an industry that has been devastated by the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
The European aircraft maker has asked suppliers to be ready to ramp up production of the world’s most popular aircraft from 40 to 47 a month from July, three people with knowledge of the situation said.
The move comes as its US rival Boeing prepares for a return of the 737 Max single aisle to the skies after nearly 18 months on the ground following two fatal crashes. Regulators are in the final stages of recertifying the aircraft.