Airbus targets A350, A380 sales to Japan

European planemaker Airbus aims to sell its next generation of aircraft to Japan, the head of parent EADS said yesterday, targeting a market traditionally dominated by rival Boeing.

"There are requirements to renew fleets in Japan and these needs will be expressed this year and next year. We obviously hope to take our share," EADS chief executive officer Louis Gallois told reporters covering a visit to Japan by French Prime Minister Francois Fillon. Asked if he was referring to the Airbus A350, Mr Gallois said, "The A350 and the A380; both aircraft interest the Japanese companies."Airbus has a four per cent market share in Japan.

The A350 is a rival model to Boeing's 787 Dreamliner.

Boeing this week announced the third set of delays to the futuristic aircraft, whose first customer is in Japan.

The double-decker Airbus A380, the world's largest jetliner, entered service last year after an 18-month delay.