Ambitious production and delivery targets in 2016, plus innovation at the forefront
Airbus' goal for 2016 is to deliver on its ambitious production expansion/ramp-up strategy, Brégier said, setting a target of delivering more than 650 aircraft to customers during the 12 months.

This objective includes the continued upswing in A320 Family production during 2016, reaching an output rate of 50 per month by early 2017 and subsequently going to 60 monthly by mid-2019; along with the delivery of at least 50 A350s in 2016 (compared to 14 in 2015).

Airbus is looking to attain another break-even year for the A380 in 2016, providing a number similar to the 27 delivered in 2015; while A330ceo production will level at a rate of six per month as the transition is made to the A330neo (New Engine Option).

The first A350-1000 version of the A350 XWB will enter the final assembly line next month, enabling its first flight before year-end; while final assembly line activity for the initial A330neo is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Airbus' commercial priority for 2016 is to continue its market leadership role, with Brégier anticipating another busy year - targeting a book-to-bill ratio [the ratio of orders received to the units shipped and billed] of at least 1 during the coming year, with more than 650 total aircraft to be delivered during the 12 months.

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