Airbus, the European aircraft manufacturer, said on July 29, 2021, that it expects to deliver more than 600 commercial aircraft by the end of 2021. The upbeat prognosis comes after the company reported a “good performance” in the first half of 2021.
“Despite the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, the multiple efforts taken by the teams have resulted in a strong H1 performance,” stated Airbus Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury. “This enables us to raise our 2021 guidance, despite the fact that we continue to operate in an uncertain environment.”
Previously, Airbus expected to deliver 566 commercial aircraft in February 2021, the same number it delivered in 2020. However, the number of expected commercial aircraft deliveries has risen to more over 600, as the European manufacturer stated that it does not expect any more disruptions to the global economy, air traffic, or internal operations.
Airbus has supplied 297 commercial aircraft to date, including 21 Airbus A220s, 237 Airbus A320 Family, seven Airbus A330s, 30 A350s, and two Airbus A380s. Consolidated revenues grew 30 percent year on year to €24.6 billion ($29.2 billion) due to a larger number of commercial aircraft deliveries compared to H1 2020.
Airbus turned a profit in the first half of 2021, earning €2.7 billion ($3.2 billion) in operating earnings. Profit from Airbus commercial aircraft activities accounted for €2.2 billion ($2.6 billion) of the €2.7 billion profit, which was “primarily driven by delivery performance and the company’s commitment on cost containment.”
Airbus is also expanding its product line with the new Airbus A350 cargo. The decision was made in response to a customer demand for new freighters.
“Furthermore, and subject to Board approval, we are expanding our product line with an A350 freighter variant, in response to customer input for improved competition and efficiency in this market segment,” Faury added.
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker recently stated that the Doha-based airline is eager to add more freighters to its fleet because the air freight market is expected to stay strong after the COVID-19 problem is resolved. During an interview on June 22, 2021, Qatar Airways’ CEO stated that the airline would be “extremely eager” to be a launch customer for either the Airbus A350 or the Boeing 777X freighter if the aircraft makers made those aircraft available.
