Gallois says the Beijing-Brussels fight has put the fate of 45 unbuilt large Airbus aircraft in question [EPA]

The chief executive of the Airbus parent company, EADS, has accused European Union officials of starting a fight with China over aircraft emissions that threatens to cost the jet manufacturer $12bn in orders.

Louis Gallois said on Thursday that EADS is a “hostage” to the dispute between Beijing and Brussels, which has put the fate of 45 unbuilt large aircraft in question.

“China is putting on hold orders already agreed with airlines but not approved. … We are worried that this conflict is becoming a commercial war,” he said. As Airbus could lose $12bn in orders, Gallois announced EADS reported a 72 per cent increase in profits for the fourth quarter to $810 million.

With some analysts warning of a brewing trade war, Stefan Schaffrath, Airbus spokesman, said they were seeing “retaliation threats” from 26 countries, “in particular from China”.