AIRBUS INDUSTRIE IS TO raise production rates to record levels in 1997 to keep pace with a rapidly expanding firm order book. The revised production schedule calls for 185 aircraft to be built in 1997, compared with 135 deliveries scheduled for this year. The consortium's busiest year to date was 1991, when 163 aircraft were delivered.
This year's firm commitments total 129, including seven A319s, 70 A320s, 13 A321s, 22 A330s and 17 A340s, with a book value of over $8 billion. Deliveries this year will consist of 56 wide-bodies and 79 narrow-bodies, rising to 60 wide-bodies and 125 single-aisle aircraft in 1997.
German regional carrier Euro-wings has ordered three Airbus A319-100s and taken options on a further three. The first aircraft, are scheduled to be delivered, next January.
Source: Flight International
