Airbus reports strong 2023 commercial aircraft orders, deliveries amid complex operating environment

Aircraft maker, Airbus delivered 735 commercial aircraft to 87 customers around the world in 2023, demonstrating strong performance despite a complex operating environment.

The Commercial Aircraft business registered 2,319 gross new orders (2,094 net). As a result, its 2023 year-end backlog stood at 8,598 aircraft.

The company in a statement to Aviation Metric said, “2023 was a landmark year for Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business with exceptional sales and deliveries on the upper end of our target,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO.

“Several factors came together to help us achieve our goals, including the increased flexibility and capability of our global industrial system, as well as the strong demand from airlines to refresh their fleets with our most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft.” Guillaume added: “ This is a remarkable achievement. My thanks go to our customers, supplier partners, and all the Airbus teams who made it happen.”

“We originally anticipated aviation to recover sometime in the 2023-2025 timeframe, but what we saw in 2023 was, alongside the single-aisle market, wide-body return much sooner than expected, and with vigour“, said Christian Scherer, Airbus’ newly appointed CEO, Commercial Aircraft.

“A big thumbs up to our commercial and regional teams, and importantly, a big thank you to our customers for their trust and partnership. We have never sold as many A320s or A350s in any given year, not to mention welcoming seven new customers for the A350-1000.

“Travel is back and there is serious momentum!” Christian added: “I’m proud to say there are now 735 more fuel-efficient Airbus jets flying today, paving the way to our lower carbon future. It’s the orders we win today that will support us in investing in innovative and even more sustainable solutions tomorrow.”

Full aircraft fleet deliveries for 2023

*After a reduction of two aircraft (2 A350-900 AEROFLOT) previously recorded as sold in December 2021 for which a transfer was not possible due to international sanctions against Russia.

The 2023 full-year Financial Results will be disclosed on February 15, 2024, according to Airbus.

Wole Shadare