Airbus mulls A320 output hike to 50 a month from 2017 -source

Paris: European planemaker Airbus is discussing with suppliers the possibility of raising production of its popular A320 family of jets to 50 a month as early as 2017, narrowing a gap with rival Boeing, a senior industry source said on Tuesday.

Airbus has asked suppliers to be ready to adjust to production of 48 aircraft a month during 2016, rising to 50 a month in 2017, the source said, asking not to be named.

The increase would stretch an existing target that calls for an increase in output to 46 of the single-aisle jets by the second-quarter of 2016, up from a current rate of 42. There can be a lag between supplier schedules and aircraft production. However, no final decision has been taken.