Airbus Soars High with Record Orders in 2023, Outpacing Boeing in Deliveries

In a striking show of market strength, Airbus has reported record-breaking annual jet orders for 2023, alongside an impressive 11% increase in deliveries. This achievement firmly secures its position as the leading aircraft manufacturer, surpassing its long-time rival Boeing for the fifth consecutive year.

Amidst a competitive scramble by airlines to rejuvenate their fleets last year, Airbus announced a staggering 2,319 gross orders and 2,094 net orders after cancellations. Additionally, it confirmed the delivery of 735 airplanes, which leaves its order backlog at an astounding 8,598. These figures were first reported by Reuters and can be further explored in their detailed article Reuters Report.

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury highlighted the enhanced flexibility and capability within the company’s industrial system, despite initial challenges related to tight supply chains earlier in the year. Faury expressed confidence in meeting the ambitious delivery target of 75 A320 jets per month by 2026, supported by ten active assembly lines for the A320 family.

In contrast, Boeing, still recuperating from the safety grounding of its 737 MAX and various production issues, reported delivering 528 aircraft and securing 1,314 net new orders after accounting for cancellations in 2023.

Christian Scherer, the newly appointed CEO of Airbus’ commercial aircraft division, remarked on the aviation industry’s rapid recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the particularly sharp rebound in demand for wide-body jets, stating, “Travel is back and there is serious momentum.”

Addressing the sizable backlog, Scherer acknowledged the responsibility to deliver these aircraft promptly and with high quality, reflecting Airbus’ commitment to its customers. Meanwhile, Boeing faces renewed scrutiny over production quality, especially after a recent cabin blowout incident involving a 737 MAX model, further challenging its position in the market.

This surge in Airbus’ orders and deliveries underscores a significant shift in the competitive dynamics of the aerospace sector, marking a pivotal moment in commercial aviation history.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com