Airbus closes 2011 with record numbers

Airbus delivered 534 commercial aircraft to 88 customers (10 new) and booked 1419 net orders in 2011, making it the most successful year in the company’s history.

It was also the 10th consecutive year with a production increase. 

The 534 deliveries beat the previous record set in 2010 by 24 aircraft.

Deliveries include a new record for 421 single-aisle aircraft (401 in 2010), 87 A330 Family (87 in 2010) and 26 A380s (18 in 2010).

December was a record month for the A380, with four deliveries in a single month.

Airbus Military also delivered a record number of 29 aircraft (20 light and medium military and transport aircraft - C212, CN235 and C295, three P-3 conversion aircraft and six A330 MRTTs).

Airbus had a record order intake of 1608 (1419 net) commercial aircraft, worth US$169 billion gross (US$140 billion net) at list prices. The previous record was in 2007 (1458 gross and 1341 net orders).

In value terms, Airbus’ share of total aircraft sales (above 100 seats) in 2011 was 56 per cent gross (54 per cent net).

Despite challenging markets, Airbus Military won five new orders for its light and medium aircraft (CN235 and C295).

Net commercial orders include 19 for the A380, 52 A330/A350 XWB Family aircraft, and 1348 A320 Family aircraft.

Of these, the A320neo won 1226 firm sales confirming its title as the “the fastest selling airliner ever”.

Overall, the backlog is 4437 aircraft valued at over US$588 billion at list prices; the equal of seven to eight years production.

The military backlog stands at 222 aircraft, including 174 A400M, 22 A330 MRTT, 18 light and medium and eight P-3 conversions.

Airbus continues to recruit for aircraft development programs, as well as the ramp up of all aircraft families. In 2011, 4500 new employees were hired, increasing the active workforce to 55,000, The target for 2012 is the recruitment of more than 4000.

"Airbus' record order intake is the result of our strategic decision for A320neo," said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.

"With this innovation we established a new industry standard, appreciated by our customers and followed by the competition.”

"With a solid backlog and an excellent cash position we are well prepared for the future.

"However, the continuous ramp-up to unprecedented production rates in all programs will demand a strong focus on the supply chain and our own delivery capabilities.

"The hiring of more than 4000 skilled people in 2012 will further support achieving this goal."