Airbus, Boeing spar over jet output strategy

[ISTANBUL] Airbus and Boeing have clashed over jet production, with the European planemaker questioning the viability of its rival's proposals to hike output and Boeing insisting that it will only build the number of jets that its buyers and suppliers can handle.

A debate over the sustainability of record production and burgeoning orders for jetliners dominated an aviation gathering in Istanbul, where a minority of participants expressed fears of a glut while most remained confident about air transport growth.

Despite the economic downturn, aircraft demand has been rising as cash-starved airlines upgrade to new fuel-saving models and emerging markets give rise to a boom in air travel.