Airbus Achieves Record Aircraft Deliveries in 2009

Although 2009 might be remembered by many companies as a particularly poor one, such was definitely not the case for Airbus, which achieved the significant record of delivering its greatest number of new aircraft in a single year; the company delivered 498 aircraft in 2009, which was 15 more than in 2008.

Of the 498 aircraft, 402 were A320 Family aircraft, 86 were A330/A340s and ten were A380s. Airbus Military, the military aircraft division of Airbus, delivered 16 light and medium transport aircraft.

In addition to its record deliveries, Airbus secured 310 (gross) orders (271 net) valued at US$34.9 billion at list prices. This number represented 54% of the worldwide market share of aircraft having more than 100 seats.

The new orders included 228 A320 Family aircraft, 78 orders for A330/A340/A350 XWB Family aircraft and four new orders for the A380. The orders for the A350—three years after the type’s official launch—brought the total number of orders for this model to more than 500. By the end of 2009, Airbus had a total order backlog of 3,488 aircraft, valued at US$437.1 billion, which represents six years of full production.

Also during 2009, Airbus Military was formed to integrate all of the company’s military aircraft programmes. Meanwhile, the A400M (MSN 1) long-range turboprop military transport aircraft made a successful maiden flight on 11 December.

Conversion work for the first A330-based Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was completed and is on track for delivery in mid-2010. Another three MRTT aircraft (which are based on the A330) were ordered during the year, bringing total orders for the type to 28. In addition, the company received orders for 19 of its smaller military transports from seven different customers, including one order for a C-212, two for CN-235s and 16 orders for C-295s.

According to Airbus, its “Power 8” programme—the name given to its company-wide cost reduction programme—exceeded its targets and delivered new cost savings of around two billion Euros gross on a recurring basis. The company says “Power 8+” will add another 650 million Euros in savings by 2012.

Not surprisingly, Tom Enders, the president and CEO of Airbus, said: “Considering the economic and financial environment, we have done rather well in 2009.” He said that the keys to the company’s success had been the “great teamwork and flexibility at Airbus and a close cooperation with customers, suppliers and finance institutions.”

Regarding its production rates, Enders also said Airbus planned to maintain production at its 2008/2009 levels, but added that the company needs to remain prudent and flexible. “We are not out of the woods yet,” he said. “Our prime mission in the coming weeks is to secure a solid financial footing for the A400M. After nine months of intense deliberations with our government customers, it’s time for decisions.”