Airbus to raise A350 output and weighs larger variants, executive says

Airbus intends to increase A350 widebody production and expects to finalize the decision soon, according to Lars Wagner, head of the company's commercial aircraft division. At a press conference, Wagner said the market's demand for more aircraft makes a higher assembly rate unavoidable. He called it a significant move that must go to the board, and said it will happen sooner rather than later.

The manufacturer currently operates one final assembly line for the A350, built to produce 12 to 13 aircraft a month. Exceeding that volume would need a second assembly line and a larger industrial system, Wagner said.

The A350 competes with Boeing's 787 and 777. Wagner said Airbus remains confident it will hit its year-end delivery targets despite recent quality problems.

Airbus is also studying stretched versions of the A350 and the smaller A220, with decisions expected around the start of a five-year planning period. Wagner cited clear demand for a longer A350 with more capacity. Both programmes are part of a set of short-term strategic decisions under review as competition with Boeing continues.