Airbus announced today that it plans to cut production of its A320 series from 36 to 34 a month starting this October. Meanwhile, production rates of the A330/A340 will remain at the current level of 8.5 a month, and not increase as previously planned. According to the company “this decision reflects Airbus’s current view on market demand in times of airlines adapting their capacities and of continuing uncertainties caused by the worldwide economic crisis.” The company added that it does not foresee any effect on employment.  

“We monitor the market continuously and try to be proactive,” said Airbus CEO Tom Enders. “Flexibility and adaptability are essential in times of crises. We reached record production rates in late 2008, but now we see a drop of air traffic in most regions. Many airlines are taking capacity out of the market. I do not exclude further production cuts if the need arises.”

Airbus delivered 483 airplanes last year–a record for the company–and it said it aims for a “similar” figure this year. Although its backlog stands at more than 3,600 aircraft, delivery deferrals already taken into account and the likelihood of further deferrals will force the company to practice the flexibility to which Enders referred.