Airbus sticks with plan to raise jet output

Airbus has confirmed plans to raise production of its best-selling jets.

It comes despite setbacks in Europe and a rapidly worsening wave of infections in India.

The plane maker plans to increase production of single-aisle medium-haul jets to 43 a month in the third quarter and to 45 in the fourth.

That's up from a current rate of 40 a month.

Unveiling a stronger-than-expected turnaround in first-quarter profit, Airbus said domestic air travel is rebounding in China and the United States.

Although it expects cross-border travel to remain weak for some time.

Airbus first-quarter operating profit rose 147% to $841.6 million.

But some industry executives have expressed concerns about raising output too quickly.

Conflicting policies on quarantines, lockdowns and testing have disrupted Europe's aviation market.

As a result Airbus says it remains cautious even while planning to raise output in the second half.

It described India, one of its biggest markets, as an "area of great concern" as the country faces a deadly second wave.

Shares in Airbus rose around 2.5% as it maintained its production and financial goals for this year.

For the full-year, Airbus expects deliveries equal to last year's 566 jetliners.