Airbus Scales Back Production Rate

Citing economic uncertainty, Airbus will scale back production of its A320 family single-aisle aircraft from 36 to 34 a month beginning in October. Production rates of A330/A340 widebodies will be held at the current level of 8.5 a month, and not increased further as previously planned.

The airframer said the slowed production is not expected to impact employment.

"We monitor the market continuously and try to be proactive,” stated Airbus CEO Tom Enders. “Flexibility and adaptability are essential in times of crises. We reached record production rates in late 2008, but now we see a drop of air traffic in most regions. Many airlines are taking capacity out of the market. I do not exclude further production cuts if the need arises."