Airbus retains title as world's largest planemaker

Airbus claimed the title of the world's largest planemaker on Thursday after delivering a record number of aircraft in 2008, but predicted a difficult year ahead for the industry as airlines curb spending amid the economic crisis.
Airbus CEO Tom Enders said he expects orders to dip below deliveries in 2009 for the first time in six years.
Looking into a crystal ball in a press conference stunt, Chief Salesman John Leahy said he expects between 300 and 400 new aircraft orders, likely at the "low end" of that range.
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