Airbus Operational Highlights: January to June 2024
In the first half of 2024, Airbus demonstrated robust performance in aircraft delivery, successfully handing over 323 new aircraft, marking a 2% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This figure includes a substantial number of the A320neo family aircraft, totaling 261 units. The monthly delivery rate for the A320neo series ranged from 41 to 53 airframes, reflecting Airbus’s capability to maintain a steady output amidst challenging market conditions.
The total of 323 aircraft deliveries constitutes approximately 42% of Airbus’s revised annual target of 770 aircraft, adjusted down from 800 due to persistent supply chain issues. These adjustments highlight the ongoing global challenges in manufacturing and logistics that are impacting production schedules across the aviation industry.
New Orders and Customer Commitments
During the same period, Airbus secured 327 new orders for its aircraft. However, after accounting for cancellations, the net orders stood at 310. This portfolio of new orders included 192 A320neo family aircraft, with the remainder being wide-bodied models, underlining the continued market demand for both narrow and wide-body aircraft.
Significant new orders were placed by major airlines, including IndiGo Airlines, which added 30 A350-900s to its fleet on June 6, 2024. Uzbekistan Airways also expanded its regional capabilities with an order for two A321neos. Another noteworthy deal involved an undisclosed customer who committed to acquiring one A350 and 36 A321neos, further cementing the A350’s position in the long-haul market segment.
The total backlog for the A350 now stands at 1,309 units, comprising 955 of the -900 variant and 355 of the -1000 variant, ensuring a strong production line well into the future.
Airbus’s Strategic Expansion in China
On July 8, 2024, Airbus celebrated a significant milestone by delivering the 700th A320 family aircraft from its Final Assembly Line Asia (FALA) in Tianjin, China. This aircraft, an A320neo configured with 180 economy class seats, was delivered to Chengdu Airlines, which already operates a fleet of 49 Airbus aircraft.
The Tianjin facility, operational since 2008, represents a successful collaboration between Chinese and Western entities, emphasizing Airbus’s strategic investment in the Chinese market. Christoph Schrempp, General Manager of the Airbus Tianjin Delivery Center, remarked on the success, stating that approximately one-third of all A320 aircraft in China are now produced in Tianjin.
George Xu, Airbus Executive Vice President and CEO of Airbus China, highlighted the importance of the Chinese market, noting that Airbus’s market share in China has escalated from around 20% in 2008 to over 50% in 2024. The annual delivery volume from the FALA represents about 20% of Airbus’s global deliveries, underscoring the strategic importance of the Chinese market to Airbus’s global operations.