‘Landmark year’ sees Bristol-based Airbus deliver 735 commercial aircraft

Bristol’s Airbus has shown strong performance in 2023 despite a complex operating environment.

The firm delivered 735 commercial aircraft – up 11 per cent on 2022 – to 87 international customers, with 2,319 gross new orders.

CEO Guillaume Faury said: “2023 was a landmark year for Airbus’ commercial aircraft business with exceptional sales and deliveries on the upper end of our target.

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“A number of factors came together to help us achieve our goals, including the increased flexibility and capability of our global industrial system, as well as the strong demand from airlines to refresh their fleets with our most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft.

“This is a remarkable achievement. My thanks goes to our customers, supplier partners and all the Airbus teams who made it happen.”

Christian Scherer, newly appointed CEO for commercial aircraft, also highlighted the firm’s role in the journey to net zero, with ‘735 more fuel-efficient Airbus jets flying today’.

He added: “We originally anticipated aviation to recover sometime in the 2023-2025 timeframe, but what we saw in 2023 was widebody return much sooner than expected, and with vigour.

“We’ve never sold as many A320s or A350s in any given year, not to mention welcoming seven new customers for the A350-1000. Travel is back and there is serious momentum!”

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