France backs German concerns on Airbus overhaul

PARIS, Oct 12 (Reuters) French President Jacques Chirac said today he shared Germany's concerns over the impact of restructuring plans at troubled airplane maker Airbus .

Speaking at a news conference after a regular meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Chiraac said the burden of the plan, which is widely expected to include job cuts, should be shared between major Airbus sites in the two countries.

Chirac said he had full confidence in Airbus's ability to emerge from a crisis triggered by delays to its A380 superjumbo.

''I told the chancellor that I had total confidence in Airbus which is destined to become .... the world's leading aircraft maker,'' Chirac said.

Airbus is controlled by European aerospace group EADS.

Reuters MQA VV1939