Airbus reports 2011 aircraft orders and deliveries

 Airbus beat Boeing in 2011, delivering 534 commercial aircraft and booking 1,419 net orders. Most of the orders were for the A320neo (new engine option).


Airbus (Toulouse, France) announced on Jan. 17 that it delivered 534 commercial aircraft to 88 customers (10 new) and booked 1,419 net orders in 2011, making it the most successful year in the company’s history, and the 10th in a row with a production increase.

The 534 deliveries beat the previous record set in 2010 by 24 aircraft. Deliveries include a new record for 421 single-aisle aircraft (401 in 2010), 87 A330 Family (87 in 2010) and 26 A380s (18 in 2010). December was a record month for the A380, with four deliveries in a single month. Airbus Military also delivered a record number of 29 aircraft (20 light and medium military and transport aircraft — C212, CN235 and C295, three P-3 conversion aircraft and 6 A330 MRTTs).

Airbus had a record order intake of 1,608 (1,419 net) commercial aircraft, worth $169 billion (USD) gross ($140 billion USD net) at list prices. The previous record was in 2007 (1,458 gross and 1,341 net orders). In value terms, Airbus’ share of total aircraft sales (above 100 seats) in 2011, is 56 percent gross (54 percent net). Despite challenging markets, Airbus Military won five new orders for its light and medium aircraft (CN235 and C295).

Net commercial orders include 19 for the A380, 52 A330/A350 XWB Family aircraft, and 1,348 A320 Family aircraft. Of these, the A320neo won 1,226 firm sales confirming its title as what Airbus says is “the fastest selling airliner ever.”

Overall, the backlog is 4,437 aircraft valued at more than $588 billion (USD) at list prices, or equalling seven to eight years production. The military backlog stands at 222 aircraft, including 174 A400M, 22 A330 MRTT, 18 light and medium and eight P-3 conversions.

Airbus continues to recruit for aircraft development programs, as well as the ramp up of all aircraft families. In 2011, 4,500 new employees were hired, increasing the active workforce to 55,000; the company expects to hire more than 4,000 people in 2012.

"Airbus' record order intake is the result of our strategic decision for A320neo. With this innovation we established a new industry standard, appreciated by our customers and followed by the competition,” said Tom Enders, Airbus president and CEO. "With a solid backlog and an excellent cash position we are well prepared for the future. However, the continuous ramp-up to unprecedented production rates in all programs will demand a strong focus on the supply chain and our own delivery capabilities. The hiring of more than 4,000 skilled people in 2012 will further support achieving this goal." 

Source: Composites World & Reuters