Airbus, the European aerospace giant, came close to achieving its 2024 delivery target after a strong year-end push, delivering 766 jets to airlines and lessors. This figure, while falling slightly short of the company’s revised goal of “around 770,” surpassed the 735 aircraft delivered in 2023, as reported by the Financial Times. Despite facing significant supply chain disruptions and engine delays, Airbus is expected to retain its position as the world’s largest airplane manufacturer for the sixth consecutive year, ahead of its US competitor Boeing.
The company recorded a notable surge in deliveries in December, handing over 123 aircraft compared to 112 during the same month in 2023. The late-year acceleration was critical in offsetting production challenges earlier in the year. The A321neo jet, which accounted for 60% of Airbus’s narrow-body deliveries, continued to reinforce its position as the world’s best-selling aircraft.
Christian Scherer, Chief Executive of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, described 2024 as a “good year” despite the challenging environment. He expressed optimism about the company’s goal of producing 75 aircraft per month of its A320 family by 2027, though he acknowledged that ongoing supply chain issues still require resolution.
Airbus also reported 826 net orders in 2024, bringing its backlog to 8,658 jets. Demand for long-haul widebody aircraft showed momentum, with 142 orders for the A350 model. However, some analysts have expressed concerns about the sustainability of the company’s year-end delivery surges. Philip Buller of Berenberg noted that the strong December performance could lead to a slower start in 2025, describing the increasing reliance on fourth-quarter deliveries as a growing challenge for the company.
The Financial Times highlighted Airbus’s continuing dominance over Boeing, which has faced a turbulent year marked by production issues, regulatory scrutiny, labor strikes, and leadership changes. Boeing, which lost its lead to Airbus in 2019 after issues with its 737 Max, had delivered only 318 aircraft by the end of November 2024. Despite a mid-year profit warning and revisions to its delivery targets, Airbus’s stock has risen nearly 10% over the past year, closing at €156 on Thursday.
