Building on another solid performance last year, Airbus will be seeking further improvements in the company's competitiveness during 2016 - becoming even more efficient and innovative, with an increasingly diverse international presence.

This was the forward-looking strategy outlined by President and CEO Fabrice Brégier at the recently held year-opening press conference in Paris, underscoring continuous improvement in 2015 that boosted its speed and efficiency - enabling a new Airbus record of 635 aircraft to be delivered during the past 12 months.

Simpler and more efficient ways of working also are contributing to Airbus' competitiveness, along with the expansion of its international manufacturing presence, which includes start-up of A320 Family jetliner production at the new U.S. final assembly line in Mobile, Alabama.  As a result, aircraft production is underway on three continents (in North America, Europe and China), making Airbus a truly global manufacturer, Brégier said.

Brégier also highlighted the important strides achieved in China, where the A320 Family final assembly line at Tianjin delivered a new record total of 50 aircraft in 2015.  Airbus has extended this activity for another 10 years, with additional prolongation anticipated in the future, he stated.

Planning also is moving ahead for Tianjin's new cabin completion and delivery centre, starting with the A330 based on orders received from China last year for A330ceo (Current Engine Option) jetliners, according to Brégier.

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