Airbus announced a record number of jet orders for 2005, unexpectedly beating Boeing’s tally for a fifth straight year. But the European plane maker fell behind its rival on order value as sales of its larger planes failed to keep pace. Airbus announced a review of its long-range A340 airliner in the wake of disappointing orders.

Europe and the US moved closer to a world trade showdown over plane subsidies, as Airbus said it had received “legally binding” government funding pledges for its newly-launched A350 jet programme.

European aircraft maker Airbus today named Barry Eccleston as the new head of Airbus North America Holdings, its US subsidiary.