Airbus Faces Revolt From Second Enginemaker on A320 Output Hike
- GE ally Safran says can’t consider 70-a-month rate right now
- Pratt & Whitney has also warned further jump would be tough
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Airbus SE’s plan to further lift production of its A320neo jet faces resistance from both engine suppliers after Safran SA joined Pratt & Whitney in suggesting the move would strain resources to the limit.
Speaking in Paris on Tuesday, Safran Chief Executive Officer Philippe Petitcolin was cautious about the feasibility of taking A320 output to the 70-a-month that Airbus has mooted. A decision couldn’t be reached until next year at the earliest, and a higher rate wouldn’t be possible until after 2021, he added.