Company Is Concerned About Profitability And Cash Flow Targets

Airbus Group CEO Tom Enders says that the introduction of the A320neo needs to go without a hitch as the company keeps a close eye on cash flow and profitability.

The Wall Street Journal Market Watch reports that Enders' comments came during the Airbus Group annual meeting earlier this month. "We need an absolutely flawless execution on that program," Enders  (pictured)  said. The A320neo is expected to fly for the first time in September, with first deliveries planned for 2015.

Enders said that the single-aisle market is the "bread and butter business" for Airbus Group, and that so far, the updated airplane is  "meeting our performance requirements or even better." However, he said there are some challenges with the company's other new airplane program, the A350. He said that the company is working to increase output while including changes needed that have been identified during the flight-test process.

Airbus plans to increase A320 production to 46 airplanes per month, according to the report, with additional increases possible in 2018.

FMI: www.airbusgroup.com