Airbus raises forecast despite markets turmoil

European planemaker Airbus raised on Monday its long-term forecast for aircraft production, thanks partly to strong demand for fuel efficient jets and despite ongoing turmoil on world financial markets. "In the midst of troubled financial markets, Airbus foresees strong ongoing demand for commercial aircraft," it said in a key report, noting that there was an ongoing trend for larger eco-efficient aircraft. Airbus, a unit of European aerospace giant EADS, forecast that almost 27,800 passenger and cargo aircraft would be sold for a total of $3.5 trillion (2.6 trillion euros) between 2011 and 2030.