Airbus has put forward a modest forecast for 2014 industrial performance, with deliveries on a par with last year’s.

The airframer also expects a book-to-bill ratio greater than unity, simply suggesting that it will take more orders than deliveries.

Chief executive Fabrice Bregier disclosed the manufacturer’s expectations during a Toulouse briefing at which it unveiled record orders and deliveries for 2013.

Airbus is expecting to both achieve delivery of the first A350-900 by year-end and conduct the maiden flight of the re-engined A320neo.

It intends to obtain advance certification of the A330 with 242t maximum take-off weight, as well as the regional version of the aircraft.

Airbus will also reach the end of design work on the A350-1000, the largest member of the twinjet family, which is due to enter service in 2017.

Source: Cirium Dashboard