Airbus targets 700 sales, 600 deliveries in 2013. Expects A350 first flight in mid-year

Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier said (17-Jan-2013) the next 12 months will "continue the progress achieved in 2012", during which Airbus outperformed on its new orders goal and reached a record number of annual new aircraft deliveries. Airbus will continue its high levels of programme and commercial activity in 2013 - targeting new milestones that include the start-up of A350 XWB flight testing, with the first flight targeted for mid-year, and a further ramp-up in A330 production, increasing output to 10 per month during 2Q2013. Mr Brégier announced Airbus has set a goal of 700 new sales for its commercial aircraft families. At least 600 deliveries are planned for 2013. [more - original PR]