Airbus achieves record-breaking sales in 2023 despite complex operating environment
Airbus has reported a robust performance in its Commercial Aircraft business for 2023, delivering 735 commercial aircraft globally, marking an impressive 11 per cent increase from 2022.
The company’s ability to navigate a complex operating environment reflects a strong recovery and acceleration in modernising aircraft fleets with the latest generation fuel-efficient models.
The Commercial Aircraft business secured 2,319 gross new orders (2,094 net), resulting in a 2023 year-end backlog of 8,598 aircraft.
Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, expressed pride in the exceptional sales and deliveries, stating, “2023 was a landmark year for Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business with exceptional sales and deliveries on the upper end of our target.”
Faury attributed the success to the increased flexibility and capability of their global industrial system, coupled with a strong demand from airlines to refresh their fleets with modern and fuel-efficient aircraft.
He extended his thanks to customers, supplier partners, and the Airbus teams that contributed to this achievement.
Christian Scherer, Airbus’ CEO of Commercial Aircraft, noted the unexpected vigor in the widebody market’s return in 2023, stating, “We originally anticipated aviation to recover sometime in the 2023-2025 timeframe, but what we saw in 2023 was, alongside the single-aisle market, widebody return much sooner than expected, and with vigor.”
Scherer expressed gratitude to commercial and regional teams and customers for their trust and partnership. He emphasised the milestone of selling a record number of A320s and A350s in a single year, welcoming seven new customers for the A350-1000.
“I’m proud to say there are now 735 more fuel-efficient Airbus jets flying today, paving the way to our lower carbon future,” added Scherer. “It’s the orders we win today that will support us in investing in innovative and even more sustainable solutions tomorrow.”
The detailed breakdown of the full aircraft fleet deliveries for 2023 includes:
A220 Family: 68 (2022: 53)
A320 Family: 571 (2022: 516)
A330 Family: 32 (2022: 32)
A350 Family: 64 (2022: 60)
After adjusting for the reduction of two aircraft previously recorded as sold in December 2021, the 2023 full-year financial results are anticipated to be disclosed on February 15, 2024.
