Boeing, the US aircraft maker, is planning to intensify the competitive pressure on Airbus, its European rival, in large capacity, long-haul aircraft with the eventual development of a new family of all-composite jets to replace its current 777.

Jim McNerney, chief executive of Boeing, said the group also expected to build a second production line for its 787 Dreamliner, which is facing two years of delays in development, but is finally due to enter commercial service in the first quarter next year.