Aircraft
Airbus Renews Tough Talk with Suppliers
Demands 100-percent on-time rate as production approaches 800 aircraft a year
Airbus is considering raising A320-family production rates to 70 per month. (Photo: Airbus)
Airbus is considering raising A320-family production rates to 70 per month. (Photo: Airbus)

As Airbus accelerates production rates to record highs, it has a clear message for suppliers: Keep up and cut costs—or risk being left behind.  The airplane maker cannot risk delays as it eyes delivering more than 800 aircraft this year, said Giuseppe Marcheshi, head of strategic procurement for Airbus Americas. “That foot is still stuck on the gas pedal, and we haven’t seen it come back up,” he quipped.