Airbus Says Fewer Sales, Layoffs Possible
January 14, 2003Advertisement
European airplane manufacturer Airbus is warning that 2003 will be a difficult year -- and says job cuts may be on the horizon. But Airbus is also marking a victory. For the first time in its history, the company expects to sell more planes this year than its American rival Boeing. In 2002, Europe's largest aircraft producer posted sales of €20.5 billion ($21.7 billion),down just €1 billion from the previous year. Overall, however, airlines reduced their orders for new jets by 25 percent, and the company says a weaker dollar could also dampen foreign sales.