Airbus Is Said to Raise Production Target 15%

Airbus, the world’s biggest commercial aircraft maker, plans to boost production 15% this year to a record 370 planes, widening its 2-year-old lead over Boeing Co., according to a person familiar with the plan.

The increase is larger than previous forecasts by Toulouse, France-based Airbus and exceeds Boeing’s target of raising 2005 deliveries 12%. The European plane maker, which built 320 planes last year, plans 440 deliveries in 2006 and 465 aircraft in 2007, the person, who declined to be identified, said.

Boeing shares fell 17 cents to $50.31 on the New York Stock Exchange.