Airbus and Boeing Deliveries for the First Half of 2023 Surpass Expectations
Airbus and Boeing, the leading aircraft manufacturers, have demonstrated resilience and progress in the first half of 2023, surpassing delivery expectations amidst ongoing challenges in the aviation industry. The improved delivery performance of both companies indicates a positive trajectory for the industry’s recovery and signals a gradual return of confidence in air travel.
Airbus Deliveries
Airbus delivered a total of 316 aircraft in the first half of 2023, slightly lower than the previous year due to supply chain issues and engine shortages. However, the company’s performance exceeded expectations, with a notable increase in deliveries in June, reaching 72 aircraft. Airbus aims to achieve a total of 720 deliveries for the year, focusing on its popular A320neo family and other aircraft models.
- 281 Narrowbody A320, A220 series
- 35 Widebody A330neo, A350
Airbus plans to deliver 720 aircraft in 2023, which is higher than Boeing’s target and its own delivery numbers in recent years. Airbus expects to deliver about 600 A320neos and 120 widebodies in 2023. bout 600 A320neos and 120 widebodies in 2023. To meet these goals, Airbus will need to ramp up its production rate of the A320neo to about 45 per month at its factories in Hamburg, Toulouse, Mobile and Tianjin.
Boeing Deliveries
Boeing delivered 266 aircraft in the first half of 2023, marking a significant improvement compared to the same period last year. The recertification of the 737 MAX and the resumption of 787 deliveries contributed to Boeing’s strong performance. However, the company still faces challenges, including addressing production defects and working through a backlog of undelivered aircraft.
- 216 Narrowbody 737 Max series
- 50 Widebody 747, 767, 777, 787
Boeing plans to deliver 550 aircraft in 2023, which is lower than Airbus’s target but higher than its own delivery numbers in recent years. Boeing expects to deliver about 400 MAXs and 70 Dreamliners in 2023. To meet these goals, Boeing will need to ramp up its production rate of the MAX to about 31 per month at its Seattle Everett factory and clear its backlog of undelivered Dreamliners.
The recovery of both Airbus and Boeing reflects an overall positive trend in the aviation industry. Despite ongoing supply chain disruptions and labor shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines and manufacturers are adapting to new operational realities. Jefferies analysts predict an increase in aircraft production rates, indicating a more stable and promising future for the industry.
As Airbus and Boeing work to meet delivery targets and address operational challenges, their performance in the coming months will be closely watched. The ability to overcome supply chain issues, improve production efficiency, and maintain a steady pace of deliveries will be key to sustaining the industry’s recovery and rebuilding passenger confidence.
The ongoing recovery in the aviation industry provides hope for a brighter future, with Airbus and Boeing playing crucial roles in shaping the industry’s trajectory.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, aviationweek.com, boeing.com, airbus.com, proactiveinvestors.co.uk