Airbus, for example, announced in March that its next-generation A350 XWB is using a handful of 3D-printed components.

BBC: How 3D printing will change travel

The newly-certificated Trent XWB engine will power the Airbus A350, while its Trent 1000-TEN will power Boeing's 787 Dreamliner from 2016.

BBC: Rolls-Royce profits and revenues rise

Airbus has said it will delay the introduction of its fuel-efficient A350 XWB to fix a glitch related to its wings.

BBC: Airbus delays A350 XWB entry as EADS profits triple

On Tuesday, a senior aviation analyst told Forbes.com that the Airbus A350, an XWB (extra-wide body) aircraft, could be delayed until 2014.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Snapping at Boeing's heels is its arch rival Airbus, which is expected to start test flying its A350 XWB later this year.

CNN: Can the 'game-changer' still live up to its name?

It would be astonishing if the 787's closest competitor, the Airbus A350 XWB, due to go into service next year, does not suffer its own bedding-in challenges.

CNN: How Boeing can bounce back from Dreamliner problems

"The A350 XWB programme remains challenging, " EADS said.

BBC: Airbus owner EADS reports strong profits