Airbus says it saw strong demand in first nine months

Aircraft giant Airbus reported a 5% increase in revenue in the nine months to end-September compared to the same period last year and repeated its guidance for full year 2024.

The company, which has major hubs in Farnborough and Bristol, said consolidated revenue for the nine months was €44.5 billion, up from €42.6bn in the year-earlier period.

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A total of 497 commercial aircraft were delivered (9m 2023: 488 aircraft), comprising 45 A220s, 396 A320 Family, 20 A330s and 36 A350s.

Revenues generated by Airbus’ commercial aircraft activities also increased 4%, the company said, mainly reflecting the higher number of deliveries.

"We saw strong demand across our product range in the first nine months of the year. The nine-month earnings reflect the level of commercial aircraft deliveries, a solid performance in helicopters and the charges in our space business recorded in the first half," said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO

"We are constantly adapting to a complex and fast-changing operating environment marked by geopolitical uncertainties and specific supply chain challenges that have materialised in the course of 2024.

"We remain focused on our priorities, including ramping up commercial aircraft deliveries and transforming our Defence and Space division," he added.

For 2024, the company is guiding for delivering around 770 commercial aircraft, adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of around €5.5 billion, and free cash flow before customer financing of around €3.5 billion.