Airbus warns of tough times ahead for A330

[PARIS] Airbus warned on Friday that it faces increased challenges in managing the order book for its A330 wide-body jet beyond 2016, highlighting the stakes involved as the European planemaker considers an engine revamp for its most profitable long-distance jet.

In its annual report, parent Airbus Group also said supplies of cabin equipment would need to be carefully managed as the industry meets strong demand for Airbus and rival Boeing jets, but said the overall supply base was "more stable".

Airbus and Boeing have both been selling large quantities of jetliners and increasing production to meet demand from emerging markets, despite the global economic malaise.