BLAGNAC, France — Airbus refused to be drawn into the problems afflicting Boeing Co's Dreamliner plane as it reported a record number of deliveries for last year. Speaking to reporters at the company's annual commercial results presentation Thursday, Airbus Chief Executive Fabrice Bregier says it wasn't his place to “give Boeing lessons” and noted that the European aircraft maker has had problems of its own “in the past.” Airbus said it plans to increase production again this year to deliver more than 600 aircraft from 2012's 588, while taking in new orders for at least 700 jets. In 2012, it took in orders for 914 new jets, above expectations. “It's not our place to give Boeing lessons, we've had our own problems in the past, Bregier said. “About the batteries, the certification agencies seemed very happy with the architecture of our aircraft. If the FAA issues a directive, we will look very carefully to see if it applies to the A350.” “I honestly wish all the best to my colleagues at Boeing to put this aircraft back in flight,” he added. “I don't bet on the difficulties of a competitor in order to build Airbus' success.” Airbus expects its new A350 wide-body jet, a rival to Boeing's 787, to make its first flight around the middle of the year. Airbus only sold nine of its superjumbo A380 jets last year, due to a combination of technical problems with the aircraft's wing ribs and the poor European economy. But chief salesman John Leahy pledged he'd get at least 25 orders for the massive jet this year. Airbus delivered 30 of the A380s last year. — AP
