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by Tim Hepher
PARIS (Reuters) – Airbus has not been able to break a stalemate with AirAsia over a large order perceived as being of primary importance for the future of its A330neo, said sources close to
Tony Fernandes, co-founder of AirAsia, went to Airbus this week for discussions supposed to confirm or even extend an order for 66 aircraft but he left Toulouse without signing an agreement at the end apparently difficult negotiations, according to one of the sources.
This order with AirAsia X long-haul subsidiary of the airline is essential for the latest version of the A330, a major source of profit for the European aircraft manufacturer, after selling market shares to Boeing's Dreamliner 787.
AirAsia did not respond to requests for comments
An Airbus spokesman said that Airbus still discussed the needs of its customers but " we keep secret the content of these discussions. "
Fernandes this week established a list of prerequisites for the confirmation of the order, relating to price, performance, engines and contract advances, while adding" or otherwise "on his Twitter account, a suggestion that he would reserve the option to study again the solution Boeing.
After meeting the boss of Airbus Tom Enders, Fernandes wrote Thursday on LinkedIn that the A330neo was a "big plane" for long haul and low cost travel, adding, "Airbus must work hard to make it a global fixture; we will see. "
Sources have said that the relationship between Airbus and its first Asian customer, which has commanded nearly 600 single-aisle aircraft, has deteriorated as a result of the changes made at the head of the aircraft manufacturer and because also differences of price and timing of advances.
Airbus nevertheless hopes to reach an agreement extended in time for the Farnborough Air Show held in 10 days.
In the meantime, Airbus s uses to secure another big order at least for the A330neo, reported industrial sources.
Airbus said it had finished the first half on 206 net orders against 306 for Boeing at the end of May. wide-body jets ", it was 50 in net against 113 for Boeing end of May.
(Wilfrid Exbrayat for the French service)
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