Airbus demonstrated resilience and market leadership in 2024, delivering 766 commercial aircraft across its global customer network.
The aerospace giant’s performance highlights its continued dominance in the commercial aviation sector. However, the year was not without significant challenges, and like its major competitor, Airbus faced customer frustrations and criticisms.
Despite the revised delivery target, Airbus ultimately fell slightly short of its goal of 770, delivering 766 aircraft in 2024.
With deliveries reaching 86 different customers worldwide, Airbus was notably bolstered by a healthy order backlog. The company’s commercial success was also seen in its firm orders, with Airbus securing 878 new gross orders throughout the year.
This robust order intake further strengthened the manufacturer’s market position, resulting in an impressive backlog of 8,658 aircraft by year’s end. Such a substantial order book not only provides long-term business stability but also reflects the aviation industry’s strong recovery and growth prospects.
Sustained Demand for New Aircraft
Christian Scherer, Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO, emphasized the year’s achievements, particularly noting the sustained market demand for new aircraft. The company’s success in winning strategic customer decisions from major industry players proved especially significant.
Notable momentum emerged in the widebody aircraft segment, complementing Airbus’s already established leadership in the single-aisle market.
First A321XLR Delivered
The year marked several significant milestones in Airbus’s delivery program. Among the most notable achievements was the first delivery of the highly anticipated A321XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft.
This new variant extends the A321neo family’s capabilities, offering unprecedented range in a single-aisle aircraft. Additionally, multiple customers worldwide received their first A330neo and A350 aircraft, expanding Airbus’s presence in the widebody market.
Performance Against Supply Chain Challenges
Despite operating in what Scherer described as a “complex and fast-changing environment,” Airbus maintained a reasonable delivery trajectory throughout 2024.
Nevertheless, the manufacturer experienced a significant slowdown in aircraft deliveries throughout 2024. This was primarily due to ongoing supply chain disruptions, particularly shortages of engines and other critical components.
In response to these challenges, Airbus was forced to revise its full-year delivery target downward from 800 to 770 aircraft.
A Nod to Airbus Personnel
The success of 2024 stemmed from a coordinated effort across the entire Airbus organization. Scherer specifically acknowledged the dedication of “Team Airbus” in achieving these results.
He highlighted the crucial role of workforce collaboration in meeting delivery targets and maintaining customer satisfaction. This collective achievement strengthened Airbus’s partnerships with airlines and lessors worldwide.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Airbus’ generally strong performance in 2024 positions the company favorably in the commercial aviation market.
The healthy order backlog provides clear visibility for future production plans, while the successful introduction of new aircraft variants demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation and meeting evolving customer needs.
On the downside, the delivery slowdown and missed targets created uncertainty and apprehension among investors, potentially impacting overall market sentiment.
Last year’s performance gives a sense of Airbus’ adaptability, and strong customer relationships. While the manufacturer faced these delivery challenges in 2024, it’s important to note that they still outperformed their main competitor, Boeing, in terms of deliveries for the year
The company’s ability to maintain delivery momentum while securing new orders suggests a positive outlook for both Airbus for the coming year.
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