Airbus Group revealed earlier its nine-month net income was ‎€1.81 billion, down five per cent from a figure of ‎€1.90 billion recorded last year.

Earnings per share were ‎€2.34, down from ‎€2.42 euros last year.

At the same time reported EBIT at the aerospace giant fell 20 per cent to ‎€2.36 billion.

Group EBIT before one-off amounted to ‎€2.42 billion euros, down 14 per cent from last year.

Tom Enders, Airbus group chief executive said: “As expected the nine-month performance reflects the heavily back-loaded aircraft delivery schedule, on-going production ramp-up and transition to new versions of our A320 and A330 aircraft.

“For the remaining months of the year we remain totally focused on deliveries to achieve our earnings and cash guidance.”

Releasing the results, Airbus maintained 2016 earnings guidance.