PARIS, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Airbus delivered 61

aircraft in August, bringing deliveries for the first eight

months of the year to 434 jets, down 3% from the same period

last year, the planemaker said on Friday, confirming a Reuters

report.

The European aerospace group also formally booked an order

for 90 jets from Avolon, after the Irish lessor announced

shareholder approval for the fleet expansion last month.

The company said it had won 600 orders so far this year, or

a net total of 504 after cancellations. Last month's business

also included an order for seven A350-1000s from an undisclosed

customer.

Airbus has said it expects deliveries to speed up towards

the end of the year as it aims for an annual target of 820, up

7% from 766 aircraft in 2024.

To keep the full-year target in sight, it needs to hit a

record pace in the coming months following engine and seat

delays, industry sources and analysts said earlier this week.