Airbus says A330-200 planes are "backbone of the industry"

Published: 07 Jun 2009 20:02:00 PST

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 - European aircraft manufacturer Airbus <EAD.PA> said on Monday that its A330-200 aircraft was safe and was essential for the airline industry.

"It's the backbone of the industry," Airbus Commercial Director John Leahy told reporters on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the International Air Transport Association.

An Airbus A330-200 operated by Air France crashed in the Atlantic Ocean last week, killing all 228 people on board.