The European airplane manufacturer Airbus delivered 389 aircraft in the first half of the year, which is an increase of about 28% YoY. To reach the target of 880-890 aircraft this year, Airbus will have to deliver around 500 machines to its customers in the second half of the year.

Airbus data this year is also encouraged by the Canadian A220, recently acquired by Bombardier. Airbus declined to comment on the subject. Official order and delivery information are expected on Monday.

For the first time since 2011, Airbus is expected to take the position of a world leader in commercial airplanes, replacing US rival Boeing, as deliveries of the Boeing 737 Max are still frozen after two fatal accidents.

Airbus declined comment. It is expected to issue first-half orders and deliveries on Monday. Operational numbers can vary before publication subject to confirmation by auditors.

First-half deliveries in 2018 had dipped 1% to 303 aircraft due mainly to delays in receiving A320neo engines.

While engine delays have eased, getting the cash-generating single-aisle programme on track after separate industrial snags at a plant in Hamburg is one of the company’s top priorities.

Airbus will nonetheless reclaim its position as the world’s no.1 commercial aircraft producer for the first time since 2011 as deliveries of the Boeing 737 MAX remain frozen in the wake of two fatal accidents. Boeing delivered 202 planes up to May 31.