A320

Airbus is reportedly planning to increase production of its narrow-body twin-engine A320 aircraft to 50 a month within two years from the current rate of 42.

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters the company is in negotiations with suppliers over the possibility of raising A320 production.

The final decision on the timing of increased output is yet to be taken.

Airbus CEO Fabrice Bregier previously said the supply chain is stable, and hinted at a potential raise in production targets, but cited differences between sales and production teams.

"Airbus is preparing to reduce production rate of A330 airliners to nine a month later this year, as it intends to focus on the revamped version of the aircraft, A330neo."

The company intends to boost A320 production target to 48 aircraft during 2016, with plans to stretch it to 50 a month in 2017, the source told the news agency.

In 2014, the European plane maker unveiled plans to increase production of the single-aisle aircraft family to 46 a month in mid-2016.

UK-based Agency Partners aerospace analyst Nick Cunningham said: "We think if you look forward there are increasingly too many aircraft going into the market.

"Production rates are rising so what is already creating a bit of stress in Asia and Europe will get progressively worse as time goes on."

Airbus is preparing to reduce production rate of A330 airliners to nine a month later this year, as it intends to focus on the revamped version of the aircraft, A330neo.

Image: Airbus is in discussion with suppliers to step up A320 production. Photo: courtesy of Airbus SAS.