Airbus's commercial aircraft division turned in lower earnings for the half-year, down 7.4% to €223 million ($319 million), even as the airframer raised jet deliveries by eight to 258 for the period.

Revenues for the division increased by 11% to €14.4 billion

The aircraft deliveries included 10 A380s, keeping the company in line with its expectations of at least 20 deliveries this year.

Better A380 performance will contribute to a "significant improvement" in earnings at parent EADS during 2012, the company said.

EADS said Airbus's commercial earnings, before one-off considerations, reached €330 million, a rise on the €270 million in the first half of 2010.

Airbus booked gross orders for 777 aircraft in the period to 30 June, and a net figure of 640.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news