"It's a very realistic forecast," Gallois said at a press meeting in Toulouse last night.

EADS unit Airbus has 13 firm orders for its future long-haul A350 and 142 purchase commitments, including 80 from Qatar Airways which could be converted into firm orders at the Le Bourget air show this month.

Gallois said he also expects a new client to announce an order for the A350 before the air show, which will be held from June 18 to 24.

"A new client could be obliged to announce an A350 order before Le Bourget", due to stock market regulations on disclosure, Gallois said.