The United States is increasing tariffs on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbus-beats-goal-with-863-jet-deliveries-in-2019-ousts-boeing-from-top-spot-271445">Airbus planes</a> imported from Europe to 15 per cent, authorities announced, in a move, the aerospace giant said on Saturday was "deeply" regrettable.

Friday's decision to hike tariffs from March 18 "further escalates trade tensions between the US and the EU", the European aerospace giant said in a statement, adding it creates "more instability for US airlines that are already suffering from a shortage of aircraft."

The announcement from the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) came just days after President Donald Trump said it was time to talk "very seriously" about a trade deal with the European Union.

Duties have been at 10 per cent since October when Washington hit European products worth $7.5 billion with tariffs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbus-strikes-anti-corruption-deals-with-france-uk-us-277133">Also read: Airbus strikes anti-corruption deals with France, UK, US</a>

"Airbus deeply regrets USTR's decision to increase tariffs on aircraft imported from the EU as well as the decision to maintain tariffs on goods from other sectors," the company said, referring to products -- including wine, cheese, coffee and olives &nbsp;-- which have been taxed at 25 per cent since October.

The latest decision also "ignores the many submissions made by US airlines, highlighting the fact that they -– and the US flying public -– will ultimately have to pay these tariffs," it added.

'Ultimately harmful'

The German finance ministry said it had taken note of the move by the United States, and reiterated its stance on tariffs.

"Our basic position is clear: we reject any unilateral increase in customs taxes," it said in a statement. "Customs taxes are ultimately harmful to everyone, including the USA."

Washington imposed punitive taxes on the $7.5 billion in European products after the World Trade Organization (WTO) gave the United States a green light to take retaliatory trade measures against the EU over its subsidies to European aerospace giant Airbus.

Industry executives in Europe and the United States are on tenterhooks awaiting each new announcement from trade authorities.

"It has become abundantly clear that tariffs on distilled spirits products are causing rough seas on both sides of the Atlantic," the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States said in a statement Friday.

The council called on authorities to withdraw 25 per cent taxes on American whiskeys in the EU, and 25 per cent taxes on liquors imported from five European countries, pointing to fears of a negative impact on the US economy and jobs.

But Trump, a real estate developer turned politician, sees tariffs as a negotiating tool.

After a trade war with China that lasted nearly two years and featured punishing reciprocal tariffs, Trump declared at the signing of a "phase one" trade deal with Beijing in January that it was a "momentous step ... righting the wrongs of the past."

He has now turned his sights to Europe as Washington brandishes the threat of taxing European auto imports, a move targeting Germany, Europe's biggest auto exporter.

Trump wants EU member states to further open their markets to American products, particularly agricultural goods.

He has also threatened to hike tariffs on French wine -- currently taxed at 25 per cent -- even further unless there is a deal on a digital tax which European nations want to impose on American giants such as Amazon and Facebook.

The United States is increasing tariffs on Airbus planes imported from Europe to 15 per cent, authorities announced, in a move, the aerospace giant said on Saturday was "deeply" regrettable.

The United States is increasing tariffs on Airbus planes imported from Europe to 15 per cent, authorities announced, in a move, the aerospace giant said on Saturday was "deeply" regrettable. Friday's decision to hike tariffs from March 18 "further escalates trade tensions between the US and the EU", the European aerospace giant said in a statement, adding it creates "more instability for US airlines that are already suffering from a shortage of aircraft." The announcement from the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) came just days after President Donald Trump said it was time to talk "very seriously" about a trade deal with the European Union. Duties have been at 10 per cent since October when Washington hit European products worth $7.5 billion with tariffs. Also read: Airbus strikes anti-corruption deals with France, UK, US "Airbus deeply regrets USTR's decision to increase tariffs on aircraft imported from the EU as well as the decision to maintain tariffs on goods from other sectors," the company said, referring to products -- including wine, cheese, coffee and olives -- which have been taxed at 25 per cent since October. The latest decision also "ignores the many submissions made by US airlines, highlighting the fact that they -– and the US flying public -– will ultimately have to pay these tariffs," it added. 'Ultimately harmful' The German finance ministry said it had taken note of the move by the United States, and reiterated its stance on tariffs. "Our basic position is clear: we reject any unilateral increase in customs taxes," it said in a statement. "Customs taxes are ultimately harmful to everyone, including the USA." Washington imposed punitive taxes on the $7.5 billion in European products after the World Trade Organization (WTO) gave the United States a green light to take retaliatory trade measures against the EU over its subsidies to European aerospace giant Airbus. Industry executives in Europe and the United States are on tenterhooks awaiting each new announcement from trade authorities. "It has become abundantly clear that tariffs on distilled spirits products are causing rough seas on both sides of the Atlantic," the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States said in a statement Friday. The council called on authorities to withdraw 25 per cent taxes on American whiskeys in the EU, and 25 per cent taxes on liquors imported from five European countries, pointing to fears of a negative impact on the US economy and jobs. But Trump, a real estate developer turned politician, sees tariffs as a negotiating tool. After a trade war with China that lasted nearly two years and featured punishing reciprocal tariffs, Trump declared at the signing of a "phase one" trade deal with Beijing in January that it was a "momentous step ... righting the wrongs of the past." He has now turned his sights to Europe as Washington brandishes the threat of taxing European auto imports, a move targeting Germany, Europe's biggest auto exporter. Trump wants EU member states to further open their markets to American products, particularly agricultural goods. He has also threatened to hike tariffs on French wine -- currently taxed at 25 per cent -- even further unless there is a deal on a digital tax which European nations want to impose on American giants such as Amazon and Facebook.

Airbus 'deeply regrets' US tariff hike from 10% to 15%

Almost everything around us has changed in the last couple of decades - the shape of our cars, the way we sail, the way our trains look, even the way our elevators look.

But there is one thing that has not changed much - the design of the conventional commercial aircraft. They look the same across airline companies and passenger capacities.

The same tube-like structure - a similar tube and wing configuration and engines mounted on the wings. The current structure ensures safe commercial travel.&nbsp;

There is no real drive for coming up with a new design except cutting fuel usage. So, can design changes ensure fuel efficiency?

The Airbus A320neo and Boeing's now-grounded 737 Max were designed to save energy. In both the planes, the position of the engines were changed in order to make the aircraft more environment-friendly.

The A320neo has been successful in its quest and the rest, they say, is history. But Neo and Max stuck to the same old tube and wing configuration.

Airbus unveiled its Maverick model at the Singapore airshow. They said they were pushing the aircraft design to the limit. Though the blended wing-body design has been used for fighter jets, it has never made its way to the commercial runway.

The Delft University of Technology (Tu Delft) floated a similar design last year, they are calling it the Flying-V. Well, because it does look like the letter 'V'.

Both, the Maverick and the Flying-V are promising a 20 per cent fuel saving. So, is this how future planes will look like?

There are several unresolved issues with both the models, from windows to comfort level.

That said, there is a dire need to make air travel safer. This year alone, commercial jets are expected to emit 936 million tonnes of C02.

Last year, the emission figure was 915 million tonnes - the graph will continue to go up, unless, we stop flying or we change the plane in which we fly.

 
&nbsp;

Almost everything around us has changed in the last couple of decades - the shape of our cars, the way we sail, the way our trains look, even the way our elevators look.

Almost everything around us has changed in the last couple of decades - the shape of our cars, the way we sail, the way our trains look, even the way our elevators look. But there is one thing that has not changed much - the design of the conventional commercial aircraft. They look the same across airline companies and passenger capacities. The same tube-like structure - a similar tube and wing configuration and engines mounted on the wings. The current structure ensures safe commercial travel. There is no real drive for coming up with a new design except cutting fuel usage. So, can design changes ensure fuel efficiency? The Airbus A320neo and Boeing's now-grounded 737 Max were designed to save energy. In both the planes, the position of the engines were changed in order to make the aircraft more environment-friendly. The A320neo has been successful in its quest and the rest, they say, is history. But Neo and Max stuck to the same old tube and wing configuration. Airbus unveiled its Maverick model at the Singapore airshow. They said they were pushing the aircraft design to the limit. Though the blended wing-body design has been used for fighter jets, it has never made its way to the commercial runway. The Delft University of Technology (Tu Delft) floated a similar design last year, they are calling it the Flying-V. Well, because it does look like the letter 'V'. Both, the Maverick and the Flying-V are promising a 20 per cent fuel saving. So, is this how future planes will look like? There are several unresolved issues with both the models, from windows to comfort level. That said, there is a dire need to make air travel safer. This year alone, commercial jets are expected to emit 936 million tonnes of C02. Last year, the emission figure was 915 million tonnes - the graph will continue to go up, unless, we stop flying or we change the plane in which we fly.

Explained: Future of passenger planes

A passenger plane carrying 172 passengers from Tehran to Damascus made an emergency landing at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Russian</a>-controlled Khmeimim airbase on Thursday after coming under fire from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Syrian </a>air defences,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Russia</a>'s defence ministry said on Friday.

The&nbsp;Syrian forces almost hit the Russian plane while intercepting Israeli missiles&nbsp;which had hit the suburbs of Damascus, Russian media cited spokesman Igor Konashenkov as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Russia strike kill five civilians in northwest Syria</a>

It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqeb in the rebel-held Idlib province.

The town sits on a junction of two key roads, which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake in order to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war.

Meanwhile, Turkey has sent more reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-army-enters-rebel-held-northwestern-saraqeb-town-in-latest-advance-report-279203">Syrian army enters rebel-held northwestern Saraqeb town in latest advance</a>

It also warned Russia and Syria of retaliation if the fighting continues.&nbsp;Tensions escalated between Ankara and Moscow after eight&nbsp;Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces.

Russia hit back at Turkey saying that Ankara was not able to curb 'terror groups' in its zone of responsibility in Syria.

The incident took place a month after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">Boeing 737-800</a> operated by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">Ukraine International Airlines</a> crashed shortly after take-off from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">Tehran</a>, killing all 176 people on board.

Iran later said it had been shot down unintentionally due to human error.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">In first fatal incident for Ukraine airline, plane crashes in Iran</a>

The&nbsp;Syrian defence ministry said on Thursday it had intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus that were fired at military targets in southern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">Syria</a>.&nbsp;Israel has declined to comment.

The Airbus A320 had been coming into land at Damascus International Airport when it was forced to divert to the nearest alternative airfield, the Khmeimim airbase.

A passenger plane carrying 172 passengers from Tehran to Damascus made an emergency landing at the Russian-controlled Khmeimim airbase on Thursday after coming under fire from Syrian air defences, Russia's defence ministry said on Friday.

A passenger plane carrying 172 passengers from Tehran to Damascus made an emergency landing at the Russian-controlled Khmeimim airbase on Thursday after coming under fire from Syrian air defences, Russia's defence ministry said on Friday. The Syrian forces almost hit the Russian plane while intercepting Israeli missiles which had hit the suburbs of Damascus, Russian media cited spokesman Igor Konashenkov as saying. Also read: Russia strike kill five civilians in northwest Syria It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqeb in the rebel-held Idlib province. The town sits on a junction of two key roads, which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake in order to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Meanwhile, Turkey has sent more reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria. Also read: Syrian army enters rebel-held northwestern Saraqeb town in latest advance It also warned Russia and Syria of retaliation if the fighting continues. Tensions escalated between Ankara and Moscow after eight Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces. Russia hit back at Turkey saying that Ankara was not able to curb 'terror groups' in its zone of responsibility in Syria. The incident took place a month after a Boeing 737-800 operated by Ukraine International Airlines crashed shortly after take-off from Tehran, killing all 176 people on board. Iran later said it had been shot down unintentionally due to human error. Also see: In first fatal incident for Ukraine airline, plane crashes in Iran The Syrian defence ministry said on Thursday it had intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus that were fired at military targets in southern Syria. Israel has declined to comment. The Airbus A320 had been coming into land at Damascus International Airport when it was forced to divert to the nearest alternative airfield, the Khmeimim airbase.

Passenger plane makes emergency landing after coming under fire in Syria

How coronavirus is affecting the global economy

European aerospace giant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbus-defence-unit-sees-cash-challenge-adopts-efficiency-plan-254715">Airbus </a>said Tuesday that it has reached an "agreement in principle" with French, British and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-top-court-sides-with-trump-on-immigrant-welfare-benefits-276959">US</a> authorities over corruption investigations, which might help it avoid expensive litigation.

Airbus has been the subject of corruption probes in all three countries and said it released the statement in response to press reports.

The Financial Times reported Monday that Airbus, which employs 134,000 staff and contributes significantly to the economic output of its major backers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/airbus-set-to-close-deal-for-majority-stake-in-bombardier-cseries-143078">France</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-deadly-virus-continues-to-spread-outside-china-276966">Germany</a>, might have to pay more than 3.0 billion euros&nbsp; to settle the corruption probes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbus-beats-goal-with-863-jet-deliveries-in-2019-ousts-boeing-from-top-spot-271445">Airbus beats goal with 863 jet deliveries in 2019, ousts Boeing from top spot</a>

The affair began as an internal investigation and was a factor in a more than year-long executive shake-up at Airbus that ended in April 2019 when Guillaume Faury replaced Tom Enders as chief executive.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-not-to-ban-huawei-in-europe-but-to-impose-strict-rules-european-commissioner-breton-277078">United Kingdom</a>'s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and its French equivalent, the PNF, told AFP Tuesday that they would not comment on the statement or report.

"These agreements are made in the context of investigations into allegations of bribery and corruption as well as compliance with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-imposes-record-75-billion-tariffs-on-european-union-256583">US</a> International Traffic in Arms Regulations," Airbus said.

"They remain subject to approval by French and UK courts and (the) US court and regulator."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sale-of-120-jets-worth-11-billion-finalised-airbus-188085">Sale of 120 jets worth $11 billion finalised: Airbus</a>

The amount of the potential settlement is roughly equivalent to the group's 2018 net profit.

Airbus is to release its 2019 results on February 13, when the company may provide more detail on the affair's potential cost.

"For legal reasons, Airbus cannot make any comments on the details of its discussions with the investigating authorities," the statement said.

Airbus has been under investigation for financial irregularities in France and Britain, having approached the authorities itself in 2016.

The US also launched a probe into the company later.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbus-ups-estimate-of-20-year-demand-for-new-planes-250372">Airbus ups estimate of 20-year demand for new planes</a>

In 2013, Airbus found irregularities, notably in commission levels, in some transactions carried out by its Strategy and Marketing Organization unit.

Commercial agents for some transactions had not been identified to government export aid agencies.

Meanwhile, US authorities suspect that Airbus did not obtain necessary approval for the export of some military equipment that contained US components.

Airbus manufactures civilian and military aircraft from drones and helicopters to long-haul airliners, along with rockets, satellites and communications systems.

The procedure launched by Airbus in France should allow it to negotiate the amount of possible fines without prolonged legal proceedings that could make the final bill much higher.

The strategy has already been used by British engine maker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/rolls-royce-soars-as-ceo-east-sets-ambitious-mid-term-goals-144599">Rolls-Royce</a>, which was ordered in early 2017 to pay 763 million euros to Brazilian, British and US authorities in connection with corruption that it had itself reported to the SFO in late 2012.

<hr />

European aerospace giant Airbus said Tuesday that it has reached an "agreement in principle" with French, British and US authorities over corruption investigations, which might help it avoid expensive litigation.

European aerospace giant Airbus said Tuesday that it has reached an "agreement in principle" with French, British and US authorities over corruption investigations, which might help it avoid expensive litigation. Airbus has been the subject of corruption probes in all three countries and said it released the statement in response to press reports. The Financial Times reported Monday that Airbus, which employs 134,000 staff and contributes significantly to the economic output of its major backers France and Germany, might have to pay more than 3.0 billion euros to settle the corruption probes. Also read: Airbus beats goal with 863 jet deliveries in 2019, ousts Boeing from top spot The affair began as an internal investigation and was a factor in a more than year-long executive shake-up at Airbus that ended in April 2019 when Guillaume Faury replaced Tom Enders as chief executive. The United Kingdom's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and its French equivalent, the PNF, told AFP Tuesday that they would not comment on the statement or report. "These agreements are made in the context of investigations into allegations of bribery and corruption as well as compliance with the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations," Airbus said. "They remain subject to approval by French and UK courts and (the) US court and regulator." Also read: Sale of 120 jets worth $11 billion finalised: Airbus The amount of the potential settlement is roughly equivalent to the group's 2018 net profit. Airbus is to release its 2019 results on February 13, when the company may provide more detail on the affair's potential cost. "For legal reasons, Airbus cannot make any comments on the details of its discussions with the investigating authorities," the statement said. Airbus has been under investigation for financial irregularities in France and Britain, having approached the authorities itself in 2016. The US also launched a probe into the company later. Also read: Airbus ups estimate of 20-year demand for new planes In 2013, Airbus found irregularities, notably in commission levels, in some transactions carried out by its Strategy and Marketing Organization unit. Commercial agents for some transactions had not been identified to government export aid agencies. Meanwhile, US authorities suspect that Airbus did not obtain necessary approval for the export of some military equipment that contained US components. Airbus manufactures civilian and military aircraft from drones and helicopters to long-haul airliners, along with rockets, satellites and communications systems. The procedure launched by Airbus in France should allow it to negotiate the amount of possible fines without prolonged legal proceedings that could make the final bill much higher. The strategy has already been used by British engine maker Rolls-Royce, which was ordered in early 2017 to pay 763 million euros to Brazilian, British and US authorities in connection with corruption that it had itself reported to the SFO in late 2012.

Airbus strikes anti-corruption deals with France, UK, US

The Boeing Company on Thursday released hundreds of 'internal conversations' between its employees, which mostly shows contempt among its working staff.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-the-fall-of-brand-boeing-268899">WION Edit: The fall of Brand Boeing</a> 
 
A majority of the conversations released show that the company's workers were worried about the 737 MAX rolling off of their factory floors, claiming that the variant of the decades-old 737 was "designed by clowns who in turn are supervised by monkeys."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intelligence-evidence-indicates-boeing-airliner-was-shot-down-by-iranian-surface-to-air-missile-trudeau-273282">Intelligence evidence indicates Boeing airliner was shot down by Iranian surface-to-air missile: Trudeau</a>

The conversations were released as part of documents handed over to the Congressional transportation committee investigating the design and regulatory certification of the aircraft, which since March 13, 2019, has been grounded worldwide.

The 737 MAX was grounded globally after two air accidents killing all 346 souls on board, in five months. The aircraft will remain grounded until investigations are completed.

US Representative Peter DeFazio, an Oregon Democrat who chairs the Congressional committee. Said that “these newly-released emails are incredibly damning.”

“They paint a deeply disturbing picture of the lengths Boeing was willing to go to evade scrutiny from regulators, flight crews, and the flying public, even as its employees were sounding alarms internally,” DeFazio said in a statement online.

Among the many messages disclosed by the company, one transcript showed an employee asking a colleague whether the other 'would put their family on a MAX simulator trained aircraft', to which they said that 'they wouldn't'.

The reigns of the Boeing Company on Monday will be taken over by board-member David Calhoun, after the former CEO – Gregory Smith was ousted last month.

These conversations released by the company in a bid to be more 'transparent' have greatly added to the pressure that Calhoun is about to receive, in addition to the pressure of having to overhaul the entire company's work culture.

Boeing was willing to 'skip proper training' and distributed licenses to pilots who had flown older versions of the 737 after a simple simulator training course. This made it a very popular variant of the aircraft and was the reason why so many customers were falling in line to place orders.

The same reason is also why so many internal messages between employees at bowing criticised the aircraft, saying "that we have a senior leadership team that understand very little about the business and yet are driving us to certain objectives ".

The Boeing Company on Thursday released hundreds of 'internal conversations' between its employees, which mostly shows contempt among its working staff. WION Edit: The fall of Brand Boeing A majority of the conversations released show that the company's workers were worried about the 737 MAX rolling off of their factory floors, claiming that the variant of the decades-old 737 was "designed by clowns who in turn are supervised by monkeys.

The Boeing Company on Thursday released hundreds of 'internal conversations' between its employees, which mostly shows contempt among its working staff. WION Edit: The fall of Brand Boeing A majority of the conversations released show that the company's workers were worried about the 737 MAX rolling off of their factory floors, claiming that the variant of the decades-old 737 was "designed by clowns who in turn are supervised by monkeys." Also read: Intelligence evidence indicates Boeing airliner was shot down by Iranian surface-to-air missile: Trudeau The conversations were released as part of documents handed over to the Congressional transportation committee investigating the design and regulatory certification of the aircraft, which since March 13, 2019, has been grounded worldwide. The 737 MAX was grounded globally after two air accidents killing all 346 souls on board, in five months. The aircraft will remain grounded until investigations are completed. US Representative Peter DeFazio, an Oregon Democrat who chairs the Congressional committee. Said that “these newly-released emails are incredibly damning.” “They paint a deeply disturbing picture of the lengths Boeing was willing to go to evade scrutiny from regulators, flight crews, and the flying public, even as its employees were sounding alarms internally,” DeFazio said in a statement online. Among the many messages disclosed by the company, one transcript showed an employee asking a colleague whether the other 'would put their family on a MAX simulator trained aircraft', to which they said that 'they wouldn't'. The reigns of the Boeing Company on Monday will be taken over by board-member David Calhoun, after the former CEO – Gregory Smith was ousted last month. These conversations released by the company in a bid to be more 'transparent' have greatly added to the pressure that Calhoun is about to receive, in addition to the pressure of having to overhaul the entire company's work culture. Boeing was willing to 'skip proper training' and distributed licenses to pilots who had flown older versions of the 737 after a simple simulator training course. This made it a very popular variant of the aircraft and was the reason why so many customers were falling in line to place orders. The same reason is also why so many internal messages between employees at bowing criticised the aircraft, saying "that we have a senior leadership team that understand very little about the business and yet are driving us to certain objectives ".

Boeing papers: Would you put your family on a 737 MAX?

Airbus has become the world's largest planemaker for the first time since 2011 after delivering a forecast-beating 863 aircraft in 2019, seizing the crown from embattled US&nbsp;rival Boeing, airport and tracking sources said on Wednesday.

A reversal in the pecking order between the two giants had been expected as a crisis over Boeing's grounded 737 MAX drags into 2020. But the record European data further underscores the distance Boeing must travel to recoup its market position.

Airbus, which had been forced by its own industrial problems to cut its 2019 delivery goal by 2-3 per cent&nbsp;in October, deployed extra resources until hours before midnight to reach 863 aircraft for the year, compared with its revised target of 860 jets.

Deliveries rose 7.9 per cent&nbsp;from 800 aircraft in 2018.

Airbus declined to comment on the figures, which must be audited before they can be finalised and published.

Planemakers receive most of their revenues when aircraft are delivered - minus accumulated progress payments - so the end-year delivery performance is closely monitored by investors.

Airbus's tally, which included around 640 single-aisle aircraft, broke industry records after it diverted thousands of workers and cancelled holidays to complete a buffer stock of semi-finished aircraft waiting to have their cabins adjusted.

Airbus has been hit by delays in fitting the complex new layouts on A321neo jets assembled in Hamburg, Germany, resulting in dozens of these and other models being stored in hangars to await last-minute configurations and the arrival of more labour.

Such out-of-sequence work drives up costs and could have a modest impact on Airbus profit margins, but the impact will be largely blunted by the high volume of planes and already solid profitability for such single-aisle aircraft, analysts say.

Still, the problems in fitting complex cabins have curtailed Airbus's ability to take advantage of the market turmoil surrounding Boeing's 737 MAX - grounded since March following two fatal accidents.

Boeing delivered 345 mainly long-haul jets between January and November, less than half the number of 704 achieved in the same period of 2018 when the MAX was being delivered normally. For the whole of 2018, Boeing had delivered 806 aircraft.

Airbus production plants traditionally halt over Christmas and New Year. But the company's delivery centres and completion facilities were humming well into the afternoon of New Year's Eve to allow Asian and other airlines to fly away new jets.

Airbus has become the world's largest planemaker for the first time since 2011 after delivering a forecast-beating 863 aircraft in 2019, seizing the crown from embattled US rival Boeing, airport and tracking sources said on Wednesday.

Airbus has become the world's largest planemaker for the first time since 2011 after delivering a forecast-beating 863 aircraft in 2019, seizing the crown from embattled US rival Boeing, airport and tracking sources said on Wednesday. A reversal in the pecking order between the two giants had been expected as a crisis over Boeing's grounded 737 MAX drags into 2020. But the record European data further underscores the distance Boeing must travel to recoup its market position. Airbus, which had been forced by its own industrial problems to cut its 2019 delivery goal by 2-3 per cent in October, deployed extra resources until hours before midnight to reach 863 aircraft for the year, compared with its revised target of 860 jets. Deliveries rose 7.9 per cent from 800 aircraft in 2018. Airbus declined to comment on the figures, which must be audited before they can be finalised and published. Planemakers receive most of their revenues when aircraft are delivered - minus accumulated progress payments - so the end-year delivery performance is closely monitored by investors. Airbus's tally, which included around 640 single-aisle aircraft, broke industry records after it diverted thousands of workers and cancelled holidays to complete a buffer stock of semi-finished aircraft waiting to have their cabins adjusted. Airbus has been hit by delays in fitting the complex new layouts on A321neo jets assembled in Hamburg, Germany, resulting in dozens of these and other models being stored in hangars to await last-minute configurations and the arrival of more labour. Such out-of-sequence work drives up costs and could have a modest impact on Airbus profit margins, but the impact will be largely blunted by the high volume of planes and already solid profitability for such single-aisle aircraft, analysts say. Still, the problems in fitting complex cabins have curtailed Airbus's ability to take advantage of the market turmoil surrounding Boeing's 737 MAX - grounded since March following two fatal accidents. Boeing delivered 345 mainly long-haul jets between January and November, less than half the number of 704 achieved in the same period of 2018 when the MAX was being delivered normally. For the whole of 2018, Boeing had delivered 806 aircraft. Airbus production plants traditionally halt over Christmas and New Year. But the company's delivery centres and completion facilities were humming well into the afternoon of New Year's Eve to allow Asian and other airlines to fly away new jets.

Airbus beats goal with 863 jet deliveries in 2019, ousts Boeing from top spot

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-airlines-bars-two-girls-from-boarding-for-wearing-leggings-13833">United Airlines</a> said Tuesday it had ordered 50 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, worth an estimated $6.5 billion, to replace an existing fleet of aging Boeings.

The new Airbus planes, which will be delivered in 2024, will allow United to retire its Boeing 757-200s, the company said.&nbsp;

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-may-increase-tariffs-after-world-trade-organization-rejects-european-union-claims-over-airbus-265870"> Airbus</a> order is the latest blow to the American manufacturer, already deeply mired in the crisis surrounding its 737 MAX.

Boeing, whose 737 MAX has been grounded worldwide after two crashes that resulted in 346 deaths, currently has no new aircraft to compete with the Airbus A321XLR in the mid-market range.

Airbus launched the A321XLR only this year, at the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/paris-air-show-how-britains-future-combat-air-system-will-overpower-dassaults-rafale-228062"> Paris Air Show </a>in June.&nbsp;

The single-aisle aircraft's range is 15 percent above that of its predecessor model, the A321LR, making it a cost-effective alternative to long-haul wide-body planes.

United said it intends to use the new aircraft to serve additional European destinations from US East Coast hubs in Newark/New York and Washington.

United turned to Airbus for the purchase due to Boeing's lack of aircraft in the mid-market range, a source close to the matter told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"There are no aircraft currently offered by Boeing that can replace the 757," the source said, adding that negotiations between Airbus and United began several months ago.

Boeing, which is currently focused on returning its MAX aircraft to the sky, has already postponed the possible announcement of a new model aircraft (NMA) until next year.

The manufacturer recently presented the design to various airlines, industrial sources told AFP.

Airbus decided to no longer publish the catalog prices for its aircraft beginning in 2019. However, the A321XLR is a long-range version of the A321, whose unit value was $129.5 million in 2018.

United has meanwhile postponed receipt of its first 45 Airbus A350 long-haul aircraft by five years.

The company, which ordered the planes in 2017, said it now plans to have them delivered in 2027 instead of 2022.

United Airlines said Tuesday it had ordered 50 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, worth an estimated $6.5 billion, to replace an existing fleet of aging Boeings. The new Airbus planes, which will be delivered in 2024, will allow United to retire its Boeing 757-200s, the company said.

United Airlines said Tuesday it had ordered 50 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, worth an estimated $6.5 billion, to replace an existing fleet of aging Boeings. The new Airbus planes, which will be delivered in 2024, will allow United to retire its Boeing 757-200s, the company said. The Airbus order is the latest blow to the American manufacturer, already deeply mired in the crisis surrounding its 737 MAX. Boeing, whose 737 MAX has been grounded worldwide after two crashes that resulted in 346 deaths, currently has no new aircraft to compete with the Airbus A321XLR in the mid-market range. Airbus launched the A321XLR only this year, at the Paris Air Show in June. The single-aisle aircraft's range is 15 percent above that of its predecessor model, the A321LR, making it a cost-effective alternative to long-haul wide-body planes. United said it intends to use the new aircraft to serve additional European destinations from US East Coast hubs in Newark/New York and Washington. United turned to Airbus for the purchase due to Boeing's lack of aircraft in the mid-market range, a source close to the matter told AFP on condition of anonymity. "There are no aircraft currently offered by Boeing that can replace the 757," the source said, adding that negotiations between Airbus and United began several months ago. Boeing, which is currently focused on returning its MAX aircraft to the sky, has already postponed the possible announcement of a new model aircraft (NMA) until next year. The manufacturer recently presented the design to various airlines, industrial sources told AFP. Airbus decided to no longer publish the catalog prices for its aircraft beginning in 2019. However, the A321XLR is a long-range version of the A321, whose unit value was $129.5 million in 2018. United has meanwhile postponed receipt of its first 45 Airbus A350 long-haul aircraft by five years. The company, which ordered the planes in 2017, said it now plans to have them delivered in 2027 instead of 2022.

50 Airbus aircraft ordered to replace the existing fleet of ageing Boeing: United Airlines

&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/wto-authorises-chinese-tariffs-on-36-billion-in-us-goods-in-anti-dumping-tiff-259385">World Trade Organization</a> on Monday rejected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-european-union-offers-technical-assistance-to-pakistan-262766">European Union</a>&nbsp;claims&nbsp;that it no longer provides subsidies to planemaker&nbsp;Airbus, prompting the United States to say it could&nbsp;increase&nbsp;retaliatory&nbsp;tariffs&nbsp;on a wider range of&nbsp;European goods.

A new compliance report from the Geneva trade watchdog found that the&nbsp;Airbus&nbsp;A380 and A350 jetliners continue to be subsidised as a result of past&nbsp;European government loans.

US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the decision affirmed that&nbsp;European subsidies to&nbsp;Airbus&nbsp;continued to harm the&nbsp;US&nbsp;aerospace industry, and strong action was required to eliminate such market-distorting subsidies.

It was the latest salvo in a record transatlantic trade dispute involving mutual&nbsp;claims&nbsp;of illegal aircraft subsidies, which comes to a head at a time of rising global trade tensions and has grabbed the attention of financial markets this year.

The United States was in October awarded the right to impose&nbsp;tariffs&nbsp;on $7.5 billion of annual&nbsp;EU&nbsp;imports in its case against&nbsp;Airbus. It placed partial&nbsp;tariffs&nbsp;on most&nbsp;Airbus&nbsp;jets and products from cheese to olives and single-malt whisky.

A decision on retaliation rights for the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;in a parallel case on aid for Boeing is due next year.

Officials on both sides have expressed support for a negotiated settlement, while accusing the other of failing to take the prospect of a negotiated solution seriously.

In Monday's finding, a three-person panel rejected&nbsp;EU&nbsp;claims&nbsp;that a recent decision by&nbsp;Airbus&nbsp;to stop producing the slow-selling A380 meant the giant airliner could no longer be seen as a threat to Boeing, whose competing 747 is also out of fashion.

While the&nbsp;WTO&nbsp;no longer faulted&nbsp;Airbus&nbsp;for causing lost sales to Boeing with the A380, which is no longer marketed, it ruled that the superjumbo would cause market-share damage to Boeing for as long as it is produced and delivered.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ge-unit-orders-25-airbus-jets-including-12-rolls-powered-a330neo-260791">Airbus</a>&nbsp;plans to shut production in mid-2021.

The&nbsp;WTO&nbsp;appeared to strengthen findings against the A350, saying it had both cost sales and damaged Boeing's market-share prospects - a process called impedance - in the busier twin-engined long-haul market where Boeing offers its 787 Dreamliner.

A previous&nbsp;WTO&nbsp;ruling had focused only on lost sales.

The latest report put the world's largest corporate trade dispute squarely on the agenda for new&nbsp;EU&nbsp;Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan, who started his term on Sunday.

The Commission said the new findings contained serious legal errors and that it would consider its next steps, including a possible appeal, while seeking an accord with the United States.

USTR, which imposed&nbsp;tariffs&nbsp;of 10 per cent&nbsp;on large civil&nbsp;EU&nbsp;aircraft and 25 per cent&nbsp;on selected farm and other products in October, said it would look at raising tariff rates and subjecting additional&nbsp;EU&nbsp;products to the&nbsp;tariffs. It gave no immediate details on the size of the possible&nbsp;increases, or which products could be added to the current list.

As so often following the dozens of rulings in the 15-year-old trade case,&nbsp;Airbus&nbsp;and Boeing were left starkly at odds.

Boeing claimed a complete loss for its&nbsp;European rival&nbsp;Airbus, which it said continued to harm the&nbsp;US&nbsp;aerospace industry by receiving billions of&nbsp;euros in illegal aid.

Airbus&nbsp;said the&nbsp;WTO's decision to drop previous references to the A380 causing lost sales to Boeing meant the United States should slash its authorised&nbsp;tariffs&nbsp;by $2 billion to $5.5 billion.

The USTR rejected that argument, saying it saw no basis in the report to justify reducing&nbsp;US&nbsp;retaliatory&nbsp;tariffs.

US&nbsp;sources said only full compliance or a political settlement - which is widely seen as remote amid fragile economic ties - could legally cancel&nbsp;WTO&nbsp;approval for&nbsp;tariffs.

European executives warned against a "lose-lose" trade war.

Both sides can appeal the latest finding but doing so could place the&nbsp;WTO&nbsp;in uncertain legal territory, experts said.

The&nbsp;WTO&nbsp;Appellate Body will cease to function&nbsp;after&nbsp;December 10, due to&nbsp;US&nbsp;blocking of new appointments, leaving a tight deadline for a challenge to Monday's ruling.

Appeals launched&nbsp;after&nbsp;that risk falling into a legal void, and it is unclear if the body will be allowed to rule on appeals filed before then.

The World Trade Organization on Monday rejected European Union claims that it no longer provides subsidies to planemaker Airbus, prompting the United States to say it could increase retaliatory tariffs on a wider range of European goods.

The World Trade Organization on Monday rejected European Union claims that it no longer provides subsidies to planemaker Airbus, prompting the United States to say it could increase retaliatory tariffs on a wider range of European goods. A new compliance report from the Geneva trade watchdog found that the Airbus A380 and A350 jetliners continue to be subsidised as a result of past European government loans. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the decision affirmed that European subsidies to Airbus continued to harm the US aerospace industry, and strong action was required to eliminate such market-distorting subsidies. It was the latest salvo in a record transatlantic trade dispute involving mutual claims of illegal aircraft subsidies, which comes to a head at a time of rising global trade tensions and has grabbed the attention of financial markets this year. The United States was in October awarded the right to impose tariffs on $7.5 billion of annual EU imports in its case against Airbus. It placed partial tariffs on most Airbus jets and products from cheese to olives and single-malt whisky. A decision on retaliation rights for the EU in a parallel case on aid for Boeing is due next year. Officials on both sides have expressed support for a negotiated settlement, while accusing the other of failing to take the prospect of a negotiated solution seriously. In Monday's finding, a three-person panel rejected EU claims that a recent decision by Airbus to stop producing the slow-selling A380 meant the giant airliner could no longer be seen as a threat to Boeing, whose competing 747 is also out of fashion. While the WTO no longer faulted Airbus for causing lost sales to Boeing with the A380, which is no longer marketed, it ruled that the superjumbo would cause market-share damage to Boeing for as long as it is produced and delivered. Airbus plans to shut production in mid-2021. The WTO appeared to strengthen findings against the A350, saying it had both cost sales and damaged Boeing's market-share prospects - a process called impedance - in the busier twin-engined long-haul market where Boeing offers its 787 Dreamliner. A previous WTO ruling had focused only on lost sales. The latest report put the world's largest corporate trade dispute squarely on the agenda for new EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan, who started his term on Sunday. The Commission said the new findings contained serious legal errors and that it would consider its next steps, including a possible appeal, while seeking an accord with the United States. USTR, which imposed tariffs of 10 per cent on large civil EU aircraft and 25 per cent on selected farm and other products in October, said it would look at raising tariff rates and subjecting additional EU products to the tariffs. It gave no immediate details on the size of the possible increases, or which products could be added to the current list. As so often following the dozens of rulings in the 15-year-old trade case, Airbus and Boeing were left starkly at odds. Boeing claimed a complete loss for its European rival Airbus, which it said continued to harm the US aerospace industry by receiving billions of euros in illegal aid. Airbus said the WTO's decision to drop previous references to the A380 causing lost sales to Boeing meant the United States should slash its authorised tariffs by $2 billion to $5.5 billion. The USTR rejected that argument, saying it saw no basis in the report to justify reducing US retaliatory tariffs. US sources said only full compliance or a political settlement - which is widely seen as remote amid fragile economic ties - could legally cancel WTO approval for tariffs. European executives warned against a "lose-lose" trade war. Both sides can appeal the latest finding but doing so could place the WTO in uncertain legal territory, experts said. The WTO Appellate Body will cease to function after December 10, due to US blocking of new appointments, leaving a tight deadline for a challenge to Monday's ruling. Appeals launched after that risk falling into a legal void, and it is unclear if the body will be allowed to rule on appeals filed before then.

US may increase tariffs after World Trade Organisation rejects European union claims over Airbus

L&amp;T Technology Services said on Monday it has been selected by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ge-unit-orders-25-airbus-jets-including-12-rolls-powered-a330neo-260791">Airbus</a> India to manage its avionics software development, validation and verification, and data analytics.

"The win has been a direct result of LTTS` years of expertise in the aviation space and the company`s timely investment in cutting-edge technologies," it said in a statement without giving the timeframe or value of the contract.

The global pure-play engineering services company`s distinct advantage in the aerospace landscape includes ITAR (International Traffic in Arms) compliance and CEMILAC (The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification) certified state-of-the-art facilities, strong global customer base, robust lab and testing infrastructure, and strategic alliances with Fortune 500 companies.

"The new-age business opportunities in aviation sector call for a transformative approach including fresh ideas, elaborate evaluation of best-fit technology solution and capability to accelerate business growth through innovation," said Abhishek Sinha, Chief Operating Officer and member of the board at L&amp;T Technology Services.

"We are pleased that Airbus India has chosen LTTS to deliver on all these aspects. We look forward to co-developing innovations in the aviation space and ushering in newer benchmarks of industry excellence."

L&amp;T Technology Services Ltd is a listed subsidiary of Larsen &amp; Toubro Ltd focused on engineering and R&amp;D. It offers consultancy, design, development and testing services across the product and process development life cycle.

The company`s customer base includes 69 Fortune 500 companies and 51 of the world`s top ER&amp;D companies, across industrial products, medical devices, transportation, telecom and hi-tech, and the process industries.

It has over 16,700 employees spread across 17 global design centres, 28 global sales offices and 49 innovation labs.

L&T Technology Services said on Monday it has been selected by Airbus India to manage its avionics software development, validation and verification, and data analytics.

L&T Technology Services said on Monday it has been selected by Airbus India to manage its avionics software development, validation and verification, and data analytics. "The win has been a direct result of LTTS` years of expertise in the aviation space and the company`s timely investment in cutting-edge technologies," it said in a statement without giving the timeframe or value of the contract. The global pure-play engineering services company`s distinct advantage in the aerospace landscape includes ITAR (International Traffic in Arms) compliance and CEMILAC (The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification) certified state-of-the-art facilities, strong global customer base, robust lab and testing infrastructure, and strategic alliances with Fortune 500 companies. "The new-age business opportunities in aviation sector call for a transformative approach including fresh ideas, elaborate evaluation of best-fit technology solution and capability to accelerate business growth through innovation," said Abhishek Sinha, Chief Operating Officer and member of the board at L&T Technology Services. "We are pleased that Airbus India has chosen LTTS to deliver on all these aspects. We look forward to co-developing innovations in the aviation space and ushering in newer benchmarks of industry excellence." L&T Technology Services Ltd is a listed subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro Ltd focused on engineering and R&D. It offers consultancy, design, development and testing services across the product and process development life cycle. The company`s customer base includes 69 Fortune 500 companies and 51 of the world`s top ER&D companies, across industrial products, medical devices, transportation, telecom and hi-tech, and the process industries. It has over 16,700 employees spread across 17 global design centres, 28 global sales offices and 49 innovation labs.

L&T Technology Services wins avionics contract from Airbus

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-report-on-737-max-crash-faults-boeing-design-says-lion-air-made-mistakes-258127">Boeing's 737 MAX</a> took centre stage at the Dubai Airshow on Tuesday as airlines announced plans to order up to 50 of the jets worth $6 billion at list prices despite a global grounding in place since March.

Kazakhstan flag carrier Air Astana said it had signed a letter of intent to order 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets for its Fly Arystana subsidiary.

Air Astana, which operates <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ge-unit-orders-25-airbus-jets-including-12-rolls-powered-a330neo-260791">Airbus</a> and Embraer jets in its main network, said it was confident in Boeing's ability to resolve problems with the MAX.

Global regulators banned commercial flights of Boeing's fastest-selling jet in March after two fatal accidents.

Plans for the jet's return to commercial service have been pushed back to early 2020 as Boeing finalises software and training revisions that need regulatory approval.

"We are making flying affordable for the people of Kazakhstan," Air Astana Chief Planning Officer Alma Aliguzhinova told reporters, adding that budget carrier Fly Arystana would start taking the jets in late 2021.

The airline plans to hold 15 aircraft directly and may finance the rest through a lease transaction, she said, adding that Air Astana would not change the composition of its main fleet.

Separately, another airline signed a firm order for 10 Boeing 737 MAX 7 and 10 Boeing MAX 10 jets, a person familiar with the matter said. The airline's name was not disclosed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-ousts-airliner-chief-as-737-max-crisis-grows-257742">Boeing </a>has used the past two major industry events to try to secure market momentum for the grounded MAX, which is seen as key to the planemaker's financial health over the coming decade.

A letter of intent between Boeing and British Airways owner IAG for 200 jets, which grabbed the spotlight at the Paris Airshow in June, has yet to be finalised as the European holding company discusses the fleet change with subsidiaries that currently use Airbus for medium-haul operations.

In other business coinciding with the largest Middle East air show on Tuesday, Saudi budget airline Flynas agreed to buy long-range A321XLR jets.

The airline's chief executive had said on Monday that Flynas was in talks to exercise purchasing options for some or all of 40 Airbus A320neo narrowboday jets.

Airbus unveiled a provisional order in Dubai for 8 of its small A220 jets from Air Senegal. Britain's easyJet exercised options for 12 more Airbus A320neo aircraft.

Also coinciding with the show, leasing giant GECAS was expected to confirm an order for 25 Airbus planes, including 12 A330neo jets powered by engines from Rolls-Royce, a competitor to GECAS parent company General Electric.

However, there were no immediate signs that Dubai's Emirates was ready to finalise a provisional order for 40 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, part of a complex set of interlocking deals driving fleet changes at the world's largest international airline.

The fate of the order hinges on negotiations over the larger Boeing 777X, for which Emirates is the largest customer. Emirates has indicated it wants to restructure the order after delays and sources say it could use the pending 787 deal as leverage.

Boeing's 737 MAX took centre stage at the Dubai Airshow on Tuesday as airlines announced plans to order up to 50 of the jets worth $6 billion at list prices despite a global grounding in place since March.

Boeing's 737 MAX took centre stage at the Dubai Airshow on Tuesday as airlines announced plans to order up to 50 of the jets worth $6 billion at list prices despite a global grounding in place since March. Kazakhstan flag carrier Air Astana said it had signed a letter of intent to order 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets for its Fly Arystana subsidiary. Air Astana, which operates Airbus and Embraer jets in its main network, said it was confident in Boeing's ability to resolve problems with the MAX. Global regulators banned commercial flights of Boeing's fastest-selling jet in March after two fatal accidents. Plans for the jet's return to commercial service have been pushed back to early 2020 as Boeing finalises software and training revisions that need regulatory approval. "We are making flying affordable for the people of Kazakhstan," Air Astana Chief Planning Officer Alma Aliguzhinova told reporters, adding that budget carrier Fly Arystana would start taking the jets in late 2021. The airline plans to hold 15 aircraft directly and may finance the rest through a lease transaction, she said, adding that Air Astana would not change the composition of its main fleet. Separately, another airline signed a firm order for 10 Boeing 737 MAX 7 and 10 Boeing MAX 10 jets, a person familiar with the matter said. The airline's name was not disclosed. Boeing has used the past two major industry events to try to secure market momentum for the grounded MAX, which is seen as key to the planemaker's financial health over the coming decade. A letter of intent between Boeing and British Airways owner IAG for 200 jets, which grabbed the spotlight at the Paris Airshow in June, has yet to be finalised as the European holding company discusses the fleet change with subsidiaries that currently use Airbus for medium-haul operations. In other business coinciding with the largest Middle East air show on Tuesday, Saudi budget airline Flynas agreed to buy long-range A321XLR jets. The airline's chief executive had said on Monday that Flynas was in talks to exercise purchasing options for some or all of 40 Airbus A320neo narrowboday jets. Airbus unveiled a provisional order in Dubai for 8 of its small A220 jets from Air Senegal. Britain's easyJet exercised options for 12 more Airbus A320neo aircraft. Also coinciding with the show, leasing giant GECAS was expected to confirm an order for 25 Airbus planes, including 12 A330neo jets powered by engines from Rolls-Royce, a competitor to GECAS parent company General Electric. However, there were no immediate signs that Dubai's Emirates was ready to finalise a provisional order for 40 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, part of a complex set of interlocking deals driving fleet changes at the world's largest international airline. The fate of the order hinges on negotiations over the larger Boeing 777X, for which Emirates is the largest customer. Emirates has indicated it wants to restructure the order after delays and sources say it could use the pending 787 deal as leverage.

Sales of grounded Boeing 737 MAX gather pace at Dubai Airshow

Leasing giant GECAS, the aircraft leasing subsidiary of General Electric, has ordered 25 Airbus&nbsp;aircraft including a rare purchase of jets powered by GE's rival engine maker Rolls-Royce, two people familiar with the matter said.

The order includes 12 Airbus A330neo jets, for which Rolls-Royce&nbsp;is the sole engine supplier, and 13 A321XLR long-distance narrow-body jets. It was included in a new Airbus order tally but the name of the buyer was not immediately disclosed.

Airbus and GE both declined to comment.

If confirmed, the decision by the world's second-largest aircraft leasing company to invest in the A330neo would be a key endorsement for the A330neo programme which has been clawing its way back from a period of weak sales and some cancellations.

GECAS has traditionally prioritised aircraft powered by engines made by its parent company General Electric.

Decisions to invest in rival technology highlight competition to diversify portfolios in the leasing industry, even though GE is perceived as more closely aligned in the wide-body market with Airbus rival Boeing.

The A330neo is a 250-300 seat upgrade of Airbus's most-sold wide-body aircraft, the A330, which is offered alongside the slightly larger Airbus A350 family. Both aircraft are exclusively powered by engines from Rolls-Royce.

In 2015, GECAS invested in the first A350 by buying the aircraft immediately after its delivery to Qatar Airways and then renting it back to the airline in a sale-and-leaseback deal.

But it remains rare for the GE subsidiary to buy Rolls-Royce-powered aircraft directly from the manufacturer.

Rolls and GE compete fiercely for engine sales and the A330neo aeroplane has, in turn, faced intense competition from the newer Boeing 787, which offers both GE and Rolls-Royce engines.

GECAS is widely seen as a candidate for potential sale as GE overhauls its balance sheet through disposals. It has said it aims to invest in aircraft to keep down the average age of its portfolio to 5.5 years from 6.8 years by 2024.

In a statement with its monthly order update on Thursday, Airbus said an "unidentified customer ordered 13 A321XLRs in a transaction that also included 12 A330-900 highly efficient wide-bodies".

It is common for aircraft deals to be posted on an anonymous basis before the buyer goes public, often using the publicity surrounding air shows.

Planemakers are gearing up for the Dubai Airshow from Nov. 17 which could feature confirmation of demand from leasing companies including GECAS, industry sources said.

Leasing giant GECAS, the aircraft leasing subsidiary of General Electric, has ordered 25 Airbus aircraft including a rare purchase of jets powered by GE's rival engine maker Rolls-Royce, two people familiar with the matter said.

Leasing giant GECAS, the aircraft leasing subsidiary of General Electric, has ordered 25 Airbus aircraft including a rare purchase of jets powered by GE's rival engine maker Rolls-Royce, two people familiar with the matter said. The order includes 12 Airbus A330neo jets, for which Rolls-Royce is the sole engine supplier, and 13 A321XLR long-distance narrow-body jets. It was included in a new Airbus order tally but the name of the buyer was not immediately disclosed. Airbus and GE both declined to comment. If confirmed, the decision by the world's second-largest aircraft leasing company to invest in the A330neo would be a key endorsement for the A330neo programme which has been clawing its way back from a period of weak sales and some cancellations. GECAS has traditionally prioritised aircraft powered by engines made by its parent company General Electric. Decisions to invest in rival technology highlight competition to diversify portfolios in the leasing industry, even though GE is perceived as more closely aligned in the wide-body market with Airbus rival Boeing. The A330neo is a 250-300 seat upgrade of Airbus's most-sold wide-body aircraft, the A330, which is offered alongside the slightly larger Airbus A350 family. Both aircraft are exclusively powered by engines from Rolls-Royce. In 2015, GECAS invested in the first A350 by buying the aircraft immediately after its delivery to Qatar Airways and then renting it back to the airline in a sale-and-leaseback deal. But it remains rare for the GE subsidiary to buy Rolls-Royce-powered aircraft directly from the manufacturer. Rolls and GE compete fiercely for engine sales and the A330neo aeroplane has, in turn, faced intense competition from the newer Boeing 787, which offers both GE and Rolls-Royce engines. GECAS is widely seen as a candidate for potential sale as GE overhauls its balance sheet through disposals. It has said it aims to invest in aircraft to keep down the average age of its portfolio to 5.5 years from 6.8 years by 2024. In a statement with its monthly order update on Thursday, Airbus said an "unidentified customer ordered 13 A321XLRs in a transaction that also included 12 A330-900 highly efficient wide-bodies". It is common for aircraft deals to be posted on an anonymous basis before the buyer goes public, often using the publicity surrounding air shows. Planemakers are gearing up for the Dubai Airshow from Nov. 17 which could feature confirmation of demand from leasing companies including GECAS, industry sources said.

GE unit orders 25 Airbus jets including 12 Rolls-powered A330neo

Seven South Koreans were missing Friday after their helicopter took off from islets disputed with Japan and crashed into the sea moments later, Seoul officials said.

The aircraft had just picked an injured fisherman up from Dokdo, which is known as Takeshima in Japan when it went down on Thursday night.

The South's coast guard, members of the National Fire Agency and civilian boats were searching for survivors, while the defence ministry had also sent planes and divers to the area, a spokesman for the South's National Fire Agency told AFP.

The crashed chopper is a Eurocopter EC225, made by the European aerospace corporation Airbus.

The seven people on board were five rescuers, the fisherman and a civilian.

"The patient was on a fishing boat when he lost one of his fingers through an accident, and the crew took him to Dokdo and waited for the rescue helicopter there," the official said.

"The patient needed an immediate medical operation that could have only been done at facilities on the mainland."

Seoul has controlled the islets of Dokdo in the Sea of Japan, or East Sea, since 1945, when Tokyo's brutal colonial rule on the peninsula ended, while Tokyo still claims sovereignty over them.

Seven South Koreans were missing Friday after their helicopter took off from islets disputed with Japan and crashed into the sea moments later, Seoul officials said.

Seven South Koreans were missing Friday after their helicopter took off from islets disputed with Japan and crashed into the sea moments later, Seoul officials said. The aircraft had just picked an injured fisherman up from Dokdo, which is known as Takeshima in Japan when it went down on Thursday night. The South's coast guard, members of the National Fire Agency and civilian boats were searching for survivors, while the defence ministry had also sent planes and divers to the area, a spokesman for the South's National Fire Agency told AFP. The crashed chopper is a Eurocopter EC225, made by the European aerospace corporation Airbus. The seven people on board were five rescuers, the fisherman and a civilian. "The patient was on a fishing boat when he lost one of his fingers through an accident, and the crew took him to Dokdo and waited for the rescue helicopter there," the official said. "The patient needed an immediate medical operation that could have only been done at facilities on the mainland." Seoul has controlled the islets of Dokdo in the Sea of Japan, or East Sea, since 1945, when Tokyo's brutal colonial rule on the peninsula ended, while Tokyo still claims sovereignty over them.

Seven South Koreans missing after helicopter crash near disputed islets

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbus-ups-estimate-of-20-year-demand-for-new-planes-250372">Airbus Defence and Space has issued an internal warning of significant challenges</a> in meeting cashflow and other targets for 2019 as it rolls out an internal efficiency plan called "Momentum", people familiar with the matter said.

It is the second time in as many years the group's second-largest division has been forced to urge its 33,000 staff to save more cash in the final quarter of the year, a period when government customers are often slow in finalising payments.

This year, the squeeze has gained extra urgency as Airbus remains locked in a dispute with Germany over a freeze on arms exports to Saudi Arabia, imposed after the killing of journalist Jamal Kashoggi by Saudi operatives just over a year ago.

Airbus says the moratorium on defence export licences has disrupted an already long-delayed Saudi border systems contract.

Airbus Defence and Space staff have been urged to take steps to improve the division's cash position by the end of 2019, the people said, adding no figures were available.

One part of that effort is Momentum, a new plan aimed at achieving durable improvements in performance over the long term.

Responding to a Reuters query, an Airbus spokesman confirmed the focus on improving cash as well as the new efficiency plan.

"In early fall, as is rather customary, management has reminded the teams inside Airbus Defence and Space that we have to work hard in order to meet our targets by year-end," the spokesman said.

"Our particular focus in 2019 is on achieving our free cash flow objectives. Momentum, in its current phase, is one supporting tool in our instrument box to make that happen."

Airbus took a total of $228 million&nbsp;in first-half charges related to the Saudi contract but has declined to put any numbers on the fallout to its cashflow.

The group is targeting a positive free cash flow before M&amp;A and customer financing of approximately 4 billion euros in 2019 after an outflow of 3.981 billion euros in the first half blamed partly on higher inventories due to delayed jetliner deliveries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/airbus-orders-inspection-of-400-helicopters-following-norway-crash-249066">Airbus Defence and Space is the group's second-largest division by sales and contributes some 17 per cent&nbsp;of its revenue</a>.

The division supplies aerial refuelling tankers, satellites and military transport planes, and contributes to the four-nation Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet. It has also partnered with France’s Dassault Aviation&nbsp;to study a successor to the Eurofighter and the French Rafale.

Divisional chief executive Dirk Hoke has urged Berlin to relax the Saudi export ban, saying it will not lead to far-reaching changes in the Gulf kingdom. But Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has said there is no reason to alter the moratorium which has been extended to March next year.

Airbus Defence and Space has issued an internal warning of significant challenges in meeting cashflow and other targets for 2019 as it rolls out an internal efficiency plan called "Momentum", people familiar with the matter said.

Airbus Defence and Space has issued an internal warning of significant challenges in meeting cashflow and other targets for 2019 as it rolls out an internal efficiency plan called "Momentum", people familiar with the matter said. It is the second time in as many years the group's second-largest division has been forced to urge its 33,000 staff to save more cash in the final quarter of the year, a period when government customers are often slow in finalising payments. This year, the squeeze has gained extra urgency as Airbus remains locked in a dispute with Germany over a freeze on arms exports to Saudi Arabia, imposed after the killing of journalist Jamal Kashoggi by Saudi operatives just over a year ago. Airbus says the moratorium on defence export licences has disrupted an already long-delayed Saudi border systems contract. Airbus Defence and Space staff have been urged to take steps to improve the division's cash position by the end of 2019, the people said, adding no figures were available. One part of that effort is Momentum, a new plan aimed at achieving durable improvements in performance over the long term. Responding to a Reuters query, an Airbus spokesman confirmed the focus on improving cash as well as the new efficiency plan. "In early fall, as is rather customary, management has reminded the teams inside Airbus Defence and Space that we have to work hard in order to meet our targets by year-end," the spokesman said. "Our particular focus in 2019 is on achieving our free cash flow objectives. Momentum, in its current phase, is one supporting tool in our instrument box to make that happen." Airbus took a total of $228 million in first-half charges related to the Saudi contract but has declined to put any numbers on the fallout to its cashflow. The group is targeting a positive free cash flow before M&A and customer financing of approximately 4 billion euros in 2019 after an outflow of 3.981 billion euros in the first half blamed partly on higher inventories due to delayed jetliner deliveries. Airbus Defence and Space is the group's second-largest division by sales and contributes some 17 per cent of its revenue. The division supplies aerial refuelling tankers, satellites and military transport planes, and contributes to the four-nation Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet. It has also partnered with France’s Dassault Aviation to study a successor to the Eurofighter and the French Rafale. Divisional chief executive Dirk Hoke has urged Berlin to relax the Saudi export ban, saying it will not lead to far-reaching changes in the Gulf kingdom. But Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has said there is no reason to alter the moratorium which has been extended to March next year.

Airbus defence unit sees cash challenge, adopts efficiency plan

The United States won approval on Wednesday (October 2) to impose tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of European goods over illegal EU subsidies handed to Airbus, threatening to trigger a tit-for-tat transatlantic trade war as the global economy falters. Watch this video to know more.

US wins backing for $7.5 bln tariffs on EU in jet subsidy clash

Airbus on Wednesday increased its estimate of the number of new aircraft needed over the coming two decades as airlines seek more fuel-efficient planes even as it trimmed its forecast for the increase in demand for air travel.

In its latest Global Market Forecast for the next 20 years, the European aircraft maker said it expects air traffic to grow by 4.3 per cent annually, a drop from the 4.4 per cent annual growth it forecast last year.

Nevertheless, Airbus now expects even higher demand for new aircraft than it did last year thanks to airlines increasingly retiring older planes for new ones that offer lower operating costs as they consume less fuel.

Airbus anticipates demand for new aircraft over the coming two decades at 39,210 planes, a rise of nearly 2,000 from its forecast last year, due to a sharp increase in replacements.

Unlike last year, it did not provide a cost estimate.

"Developments in superior fuel efficiency are further driving demand to replace existing less fuel-efficient aircraft," said Airbus in a statement.

However, it scaled back the number of planes it expects airlines to acquire to meet growth in demand for air travel by more than 1,500 aircraft to 25,000.

Airbus said that nevertheless, the annual growth of more than 4 per cent reflects the resilient nature of aviation from economic shocks and its increasingly key role in the global economy.

"Economies thrive on air transportation. People and goods want to connect," said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

"Globally, commercial aviation stimulates GDP growth and supports 65 million livelihoods, demonstrating the immense benefits our business brings to all societies and global trade," he added.

The firm also stressed that with its latest more fuel-efficient models it will help the airline industry limit its environmental impact.

"Airbus believes it will largely contribute to the progressive decarbonisation of the air transport industry and the objective of carbon-neutral growth from 2020 while connecting more people globally," it said.

The airline industry aims to freeze its carbon footprint at its 2020 level thanks to more fuel-efficient aircraft and through offsets like planting trees

Airbus on Wednesday increased its estimate of the number of new aircraft needed over the coming two decades as airlines seek more fuel-efficient planes even as it trimmed its forecast for the increase in demand for air travel.

Airbus on Wednesday increased its estimate of the number of new aircraft needed over the coming two decades as airlines seek more fuel-efficient planes even as it trimmed its forecast for the increase in demand for air travel. In its latest Global Market Forecast for the next 20 years, the European aircraft maker said it expects air traffic to grow by 4.3 per cent annually, a drop from the 4.4 per cent annual growth it forecast last year. Nevertheless, Airbus now expects even higher demand for new aircraft than it did last year thanks to airlines increasingly retiring older planes for new ones that offer lower operating costs as they consume less fuel. Airbus anticipates demand for new aircraft over the coming two decades at 39,210 planes, a rise of nearly 2,000 from its forecast last year, due to a sharp increase in replacements. Unlike last year, it did not provide a cost estimate. "Developments in superior fuel efficiency are further driving demand to replace existing less fuel-efficient aircraft," said Airbus in a statement. However, it scaled back the number of planes it expects airlines to acquire to meet growth in demand for air travel by more than 1,500 aircraft to 25,000. Airbus said that nevertheless, the annual growth of more than 4 per cent reflects the resilient nature of aviation from economic shocks and its increasingly key role in the global economy. "Economies thrive on air transportation. People and goods want to connect," said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. "Globally, commercial aviation stimulates GDP growth and supports 65 million livelihoods, demonstrating the immense benefits our business brings to all societies and global trade," he added. The firm also stressed that with its latest more fuel-efficient models it will help the airline industry limit its environmental impact. "Airbus believes it will largely contribute to the progressive decarbonisation of the air transport industry and the objective of carbon-neutral growth from 2020 while connecting more people globally," it said. The airline industry aims to freeze its carbon footprint at its 2020 level thanks to more fuel-efficient aircraft and through offsets like planting trees

Airbus ups estimate of 20-year demand for new planes

European aerospace giant Airbus has issued instructions for the immediate inspection of several models of its helicopters following an accident in Norway in which six people were killed.

About 400 aircraft are concerned by the order, which Airbus said should require about one hour per helicopter.

The firm said it had issued on Tuesday "an Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) instructing operators to conduct an inspection of the interface between the engine and the main gearbox on all recently delivered H125 (AS350 B3e), AS550 and H130 helicopters."

A crash of an H125 in the far north of Norway near the town of Alta on August 31 killed six people.

"This is a precautionary measure in the light of initial findings by the official investigation," said Airbus Helicopters.

"We would emphasise that it does not imply that the root cause of the accident is known," it added.

Norway's Accident Investigation Board (AIBN) for its part called the bulletin an emergency alert calling for an immediate visual inspection of the area.

"According to Airbus Helicopters, issuance of the (alert) is a precautionary measure to ensure the continued airworthiness of the helicopter type," it said in a statement on Wednesday.

AIBN said the helicopter which crashed had only 73 flight hours and there was no indication the owner had performed any work on the area in question.

The alert was issued following the first detailed examinations of the components of the crashed helicopter on Tuesday, which AIBN said was done in cooperation with its French counterpart BEA as well as Airbus Helicopter and the engine manufacturer, Safran Helicopter Engines.

"The examinations of the accident helicopter is still ongoing," said the AIBN, which also added that no conclusions about the cause of the accident had been made.

European aerospace giant Airbus has issued instructions for the immediate inspection of several models of its helicopters following an accident in Norway in which six people were killed.

European aerospace giant Airbus has issued instructions for the immediate inspection of several models of its helicopters following an accident in Norway in which six people were killed. About 400 aircraft are concerned by the order, which Airbus said should require about one hour per helicopter. The firm said it had issued on Tuesday "an Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) instructing operators to conduct an inspection of the interface between the engine and the main gearbox on all recently delivered H125 (AS350 B3e), AS550 and H130 helicopters." A crash of an H125 in the far north of Norway near the town of Alta on August 31 killed six people. "This is a precautionary measure in the light of initial findings by the official investigation," said Airbus Helicopters. "We would emphasise that it does not imply that the root cause of the accident is known," it added. Norway's Accident Investigation Board (AIBN) for its part called the bulletin an emergency alert calling for an immediate visual inspection of the area. "According to Airbus Helicopters, issuance of the (alert) is a precautionary measure to ensure the continued airworthiness of the helicopter type," it said in a statement on Wednesday. AIBN said the helicopter which crashed had only 73 flight hours and there was no indication the owner had performed any work on the area in question. The alert was issued following the first detailed examinations of the components of the crashed helicopter on Tuesday, which AIBN said was done in cooperation with its French counterpart BEA as well as Airbus Helicopter and the engine manufacturer, Safran Helicopter Engines. "The examinations of the accident helicopter is still ongoing," said the AIBN, which also added that no conclusions about the cause of the accident had been made.

Airbus orders inspection of 400 helicopters following Norway crash

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) called an urgent meeting with GoAir and IndiGo airlines on Wednesday to review the performance of Airbus Neo aircraft in their fleet.

Time and again incidences of glitches have been reported, both in-air and on-ground, in the Airbus Neo aircraft used by both these budget carriers.In the meeting with the aviation watchdog, issues related to the Neo aircraft's Pratt &amp; Whitney (P&amp;W) engine are likely to be discussed. &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) called an urgent meeting with GoAir and IndiGo airlines on Wednesday to review the performance of Airbus Neo aircraft in their fleet.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) called an urgent meeting with GoAir and IndiGo airlines on Wednesday to review the performance of Airbus Neo aircraft in their fleet. Time and again incidences of glitches have been reported, both in-air and on-ground, in the Airbus Neo aircraft used by both these budget carriers.In the meeting with the aviation watchdog, issues related to the Neo aircraft's Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engine are likely to be discussed.

DGCA meeting with GoAir and IndiGo to review performance of Airbus Neo aircraft

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/uk-brexit-minister-urges-european-union-to-reopen-withdrawal-deal-talks-234121">European</a> regulators have ordered inspections on some older Airbus A380 superjumbo aeroplanes after some cracks were detected in wings on the world's largest passenger aircraft.

The European Aviation Safety Agency directive, which formalises an instruction from the manufacturer itself, covers part of the outer wing on the 25 oldest aircraft, which first went into service in 2007 with <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/singapore-high-court-orders-freezing-of-accounts-of-nirav-modis-sister-brother-in-law-232328">Singapore</a> Airlines.

The company confirmed that small cracks have been found on the outer rear wing spars of early production A380 aircraft.

"We have identified the issue and designed an inspection and repair scheme," Airbus said in a statement, adding that the ongoing airworthiness of the A380 fleet was not affected.

In 2012, Airbus was forced to carry out A380 inspections and devise a costly repair program after cracks were found on part of the wings, the world's largest for a passenger plane.

European regulators have ordered inspections on some older Airbus A380 superjumbo aeroplanes after some cracks were detected in wings on the world's largest passenger aircraft.

European regulators have ordered inspections on some older Airbus A380 superjumbo aeroplanes after some cracks were detected in wings on the world's largest passenger aircraft. The European Aviation Safety Agency directive, which formalises an instruction from the manufacturer itself, covers part of the outer wing on the 25 oldest aircraft, which first went into service in 2007 with Singapore Airlines. The company confirmed that small cracks have been found on the outer rear wing spars of early production A380 aircraft. "We have identified the issue and designed an inspection and repair scheme," Airbus said in a statement, adding that the ongoing airworthiness of the A380 fleet was not affected. In 2012, Airbus was forced to carry out A380 inspections and devise a costly repair program after cracks were found on part of the wings, the world's largest for a passenger plane.

Inspections ordered on some Airbus A380 airplanes after wing cracks found

Why Airbus is stunned after Boeing bagged $24 billion 737 MAX deal, just months after Ethiopia Airlines crash

The 53rd International Paris Air Show kicked off on Monday, bringing together the world's largest aeronautic groups to showcase the cutting-edge technology of today and the future of the air and space industry.

Paris Air Show 2019 displays cutting-edge technology, aircraft

The 53rd edition of the Paris Air Show is set to open its doors on Monday (June 17) amid safety concerns, trade wars and growing security tensions in the Gulf dampening spirits at the world's largest planemakers as they arrive for this week's gathering with little to celebrate despite bulging order books.

Boeing crisis, trade tensions to cast pall over Paris Air Show

Airbus celebrated it's anniversary with a private flypast 50 years after the European jetmaker was launched at a meeting between French and West German ministers on May 29, 1969. Watch this video to know more.

WION Wallet: Airbus planes cheers 50th anniversary with Flypast

Indigo Airlines has denied issues with the Airbus 320neo engines. Its statement came after aviation regulator DGCA issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo’s chief operating officer and engineering head over the Pratt & Whitney-powered engines.

Indigo denies engine issues after DGCA showcause notice

Aviation regulator DGCA has issued a show-cause notice to budget carrier IndiGo's chief operating officer and engineering head over the Pratt & Whitney-powered Airbus 320neo engines issues. The airline has been facing mid-air glitches since the aircraft’s induction in the fleet three years ago.

DGCA conducts safety audit of IndiGo's operations, issues notice

The US on Monday threatened to impose <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-set-for-trade-talks-with-us-on-march-6-amid-concern-over-tariffs-201134&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi2vPzDmMLhAhWad94KHch8DJIQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Yk0M-aoR0ub3iSWNaTvJu">tariff</a> counter-measures of up to $11.2 billion on a host of European products in response to subsidies received by aircraft maker Airbus.

For more than 14 years, Washington and Brussels have accused each other of unfairly subsidising Boeing and Airbus, respectively, in a tit-for-tat dispute.&nbsp;

In a statement Monday, the office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said the World Trade Organization (WTO) had repeatedly found that European subsidies to Airbus have caused adverse effects to the United States. &nbsp;

"This case has been in litigation for 14 years, and the time has come for action," said US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

"Our ultimate goal is to reach an agreement with the EU to end all WTO-inconsistent subsidies to large civil aircraft. &nbsp;When the EU ends these harmful subsidies, the additional US duties imposed in response can be lifted."

The statement added that the final amount it would seek in duties was subject to arbitration at the WTO, the result of which was expected in the summer.

The USTR's preliminary list extends to 14 pages and contains a number of products in the civil aviation sector, including Airbus aircraft.

It also contains food products such as swordfish, salmon, cheeses, fruits, olive oil and wines, along with clothes.

Complicated trade spat&nbsp;

The Boeing-Airbus spat is the longest and most complicated dispute dealt with by the WTO, which aims to create a level playing field in global trade.

Both Airbus and Boeing have scored points along the way.

The WTO ruled in March 2012 that billions of dollars of subsidies to Boeing were illegal and notified the United States to end them.

But a few months later, the European Union filed a new complaint, alleging Washington was not complying with that order.

In a ruling published in June 2017, the WTO said the US had brought 28 of 29 programmes into compliance but agreed with Brussels that Washington had not taken "appropriate steps to remove the adverse effects or... withdraw the subsidy" in the case of Washington state.

The EU and the US appealed against that to the WTO Appellate Body, which on last month echoed the 2017 finding, although it appeared to take a harsher line against the American side.

The EU was also reprimanded by the WTO during the tit-for-tat conflict between Airbus and Boeing, and the US asked the WTO to determine the amount it could impose in sanctions against the European Union for failing to comply in removing subsidies.&nbsp;

The USTR said Monday that once that report is issued, it will announce a full product list, which comes after months of trade tensions between the US and the EU.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump's administration has made punitive tariffs something of a signature, imposing many and frequently threatening them as a negotiation tactic: and the EU was no exception.

The EU and the US have been working to set in motion a limited trade pact as part of a truce agreed in July when Trump and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker pledged no new tariffs following those imposed on steel and aluminium.

The USTR's statement also comes as Boeing faces a crisis over its 737 MAX aircraft, which is grounded over safety fears following two fatal accidents.

The US on Monday threatened to impose tariff counter-measures of up to $11.2 billion on a host of European products in response to subsidies received by aircraft maker Airbus.

The US on Monday threatened to impose tariff counter-measures of up to $11.2 billion on a host of European products in response to subsidies received by aircraft maker Airbus. For more than 14 years, Washington and Brussels have accused each other of unfairly subsidising Boeing and Airbus, respectively, in a tit-for-tat dispute. In a statement Monday, the office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said the World Trade Organization (WTO) had repeatedly found that European subsidies to Airbus have caused adverse effects to the United States. "This case has been in litigation for 14 years, and the time has come for action," said US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. "Our ultimate goal is to reach an agreement with the EU to end all WTO-inconsistent subsidies to large civil aircraft. When the EU ends these harmful subsidies, the additional US duties imposed in response can be lifted." The statement added that the final amount it would seek in duties was subject to arbitration at the WTO, the result of which was expected in the summer. The USTR's preliminary list extends to 14 pages and contains a number of products in the civil aviation sector, including Airbus aircraft. It also contains food products such as swordfish, salmon, cheeses, fruits, olive oil and wines, along with clothes. Complicated trade spat The Boeing-Airbus spat is the longest and most complicated dispute dealt with by the WTO, which aims to create a level playing field in global trade. Both Airbus and Boeing have scored points along the way. The WTO ruled in March 2012 that billions of dollars of subsidies to Boeing were illegal and notified the United States to end them. But a few months later, the European Union filed a new complaint, alleging Washington was not complying with that order. In a ruling published in June 2017, the WTO said the US had brought 28 of 29 programmes into compliance but agreed with Brussels that Washington had not taken "appropriate steps to remove the adverse effects or... withdraw the subsidy" in the case of Washington state. The EU and the US appealed against that to the WTO Appellate Body, which on last month echoed the 2017 finding, although it appeared to take a harsher line against the American side. The EU was also reprimanded by the WTO during the tit-for-tat conflict between Airbus and Boeing, and the US asked the WTO to determine the amount it could impose in sanctions against the European Union for failing to comply in removing subsidies. The USTR said Monday that once that report is issued, it will announce a full product list, which comes after months of trade tensions between the US and the EU. US President Donald Trump's administration has made punitive tariffs something of a signature, imposing many and frequently threatening them as a negotiation tactic: and the EU was no exception. The EU and the US have been working to set in motion a limited trade pact as part of a truce agreed in July when Trump and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker pledged no new tariffs following those imposed on steel and aluminium. The USTR's statement also comes as Boeing faces a crisis over its 737 MAX aircraft, which is grounded over safety fears following two fatal accidents.

US threatens new tariffs on EU products over Airbus subsidies

European aeronautics giant Airbus signs Multi-Billion deal with China

Airbus, OneWeb aim to kick off new satellite era with first launch

Europe's Airbus announced plans to scrap production of the A380 superjumbo on Thursday, abandoning its dream of dominating the skies with a cruiseliner for the 21st century after years of lacklustre sales.

The world's largest airliner, with two decks of spacious cabins and room for 544 people in standard layout, was designed to challenge Boeing's legendary 747 but failed to take hold as airlines backed a new generation of smaller, more nimble jets.

Airbus said in a statement that the last A380 would be delivered in 2021.

Confirming a shake-up first reported by Reuters, it said Emirates - the largest A380 customer - had decided to reduce its orders for the iconic superjumbo and order a total of 70 of the smaller A350 and A330neo models.

The European company said it would enter talks with unions in coming weeks over the 3,000-3,500 jobs potentially affected.

Airbus will produce 17 more of the planes including 14 for Emirates and 3 for Japanese airline ANA.

As part of the restructuring, Emirates placed a new order for 40 A330-900neo jets and 30 A350-900 aircraft, partially restoring a purchase of A350 aircraft which it cancelled in 2014.

Leading buyer 'disappointed'

Emirates, which had built its global brand around the A380 and Boeing 777 and which also has 100 of the Airbus superjumbos in its fleet, said it was disappointed by the closure.

"Emirates has been a staunch supporter of the A380 since its very inception," said Emirates Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum.

"While we are disappointed to have to give up our order, and sad that the programme could not be sustained, we accept that this is the reality of the situation," he added.

The A380 will remain a pillar of the Emirates fleet well into the 2030s, stated the airline.

Emirates' local rival Etihad of Abu Dhabi also disclosed it was cutting some Airbus and Boeing jet orders, highlighting growing questions over the growth of Gulf airlines.

Making its maiden flight in 2005, the A380 was a major step in Airbus's efforts to compete on equal terms with Boeing and challenge what had been a cash cow for its arch-rival.

But sales of the industry's largest four-engined jets have fallen due to improvements in lighter twin-engined alternatives, such as the Boeing 787 and 777 or Airbus's own A350.

The prospect of a premature halt to A380 production emerged last month as part of a restructuring of orders first reported by Reuters.

On Wednesday, Reuters reported that Airbus was poised to axe the superjumbo and would likely give an update coinciding with results due on Thursday morning.

The decision to scrap production is the last major step by outgoing Airbus Chief Executive Tom Enders.

Europe's Airbus announced plans to scrap production of the A380 superjumbo on Thursday, abandoning its dream of dominating the skies with a cruiseliner for the 21st century after years of lacklustre sales.

Europe's Airbus announced plans to scrap production of the A380 superjumbo on Thursday, abandoning its dream of dominating the skies with a cruiseliner for the 21st century after years of lacklustre sales. The world's largest airliner, with two decks of spacious cabins and room for 544 people in standard layout, was designed to challenge Boeing's legendary 747 but failed to take hold as airlines backed a new generation of smaller, more nimble jets. Airbus said in a statement that the last A380 would be delivered in 2021. Confirming a shake-up first reported by Reuters, it said Emirates - the largest A380 customer - had decided to reduce its orders for the iconic superjumbo and order a total of 70 of the smaller A350 and A330neo models. The European company said it would enter talks with unions in coming weeks over the 3,000-3,500 jobs potentially affected. Airbus will produce 17 more of the planes including 14 for Emirates and 3 for Japanese airline ANA. As part of the restructuring, Emirates placed a new order for 40 A330-900neo jets and 30 A350-900 aircraft, partially restoring a purchase of A350 aircraft which it cancelled in 2014. Leading buyer 'disappointed' Emirates, which had built its global brand around the A380 and Boeing 777 and which also has 100 of the Airbus superjumbos in its fleet, said it was disappointed by the closure. "Emirates has been a staunch supporter of the A380 since its very inception," said Emirates Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum. "While we are disappointed to have to give up our order, and sad that the programme could not be sustained, we accept that this is the reality of the situation," he added. The A380 will remain a pillar of the Emirates fleet well into the 2030s, stated the airline. Emirates' local rival Etihad of Abu Dhabi also disclosed it was cutting some Airbus and Boeing jet orders, highlighting growing questions over the growth of Gulf airlines. Making its maiden flight in 2005, the A380 was a major step in Airbus's efforts to compete on equal terms with Boeing and challenge what had been a cash cow for its arch-rival. But sales of the industry's largest four-engined jets have fallen due to improvements in lighter twin-engined alternatives, such as the Boeing 787 and 777 or Airbus's own A350. The prospect of a premature halt to A380 production emerged last month as part of a restructuring of orders first reported by Reuters. On Wednesday, Reuters reported that Airbus was poised to axe the superjumbo and would likely give an update coinciding with results due on Thursday morning. The decision to scrap production is the last major step by outgoing Airbus Chief Executive Tom Enders.

Airbus to scrap production of A380 superjumbo

Breaking News: A380 SuperJumbo to be scrapped

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