PARIS, April 26 Reuters Airbus has changed the leadership of its A320family jetliner programme, the profit backbone of the world39;s largest planemaker, as it faces a steep production rampup in the face of industrial pressures, industry sources said on Wednesday.

Current programme leader Michael Menking has been appointed head of special projects for the planemaker39;s core commercial business. He will be replaced by Christoph Zammert, who heads support and services for Airbus Helicopters an activity that makes up roughly half of the rotor division39;s revenues.

Airbus said it does not comment on internal appointments.

Production and deliveries of the A320neo and sister models have been hit by supply chain and industrial problems, though deliveries of the larger A350 have also fallen short recently.

In the first three months of 2023, Airbus achieved fewer quarterly deliveries than archrival Boeing for the first time since expanding its portfolio with the Canadiandesigned A220 small jetliner in 2018.

While Airbus says deliveries of parts is the chief concern, sources say internal problems have included breakdowns during the past year of the latest robotised assembly line in Hamburg, Germany.

The head of engine supplier Safran said earlier on Wednesday that supply pressures could continue into 2024, adding that engines themselves were no longer the main source of disruption.

Reporting by Tim Hepher

Source Reuters