The European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS) on Wednesday confirmed that it expected to begin manufacture by the end of September the long-distance, medium-capacity airliner Airbus A350.

"In view of known commitments from several airlines regarding the A350, and of commitments to be announced soon, the EADS board was reassured in its belief that the project met the needs of airlines for a new-generation medium-range plane" the EADS said in a statement. "After a deep examination of the industrial situation... the board meeting confirmed its will to make the launch of the manufacturing of the program with its partner BAE Systems by the end of September," it said.

The board meeting was held Tuesday in Amsterdam.

The A350 is aimed at competing with Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, scheduled to begin flying in 2008.

The date indicated by EADS is three months later than Airbus had signaled.

Airbus planned to announce some hundred orders for its future A350 at the aeronautic show of Bourget between June 13 and June 19 near Paris to obtain permission of the launch of the manufacturing.

EADS owns 80 percent of the plane-maker Airbus, while the UK's BAE Systems owns the remaining 20 percent.

Source: Xinhua