Airbus on Monday announced that it had increased its production output for the ninth year in a row in 2010, achieving a new company record of 510 – compared to 2009’s 498 – commercial aircraft deliveries to 94 customers, of which 19 were new.
The Airbus A380 passes the Prudential Building in Boston while approaching Runway 33L. (Photo by Mark Garfinkel)
Deliveries included 401 A320 Family aircraft, 91 A330/A340s and 18 A380s. In its military division, Airbus delivered 20 light and medium military and transport aircraft (CN235 and C295), exceeding the 2009 figure by four aircraft.
In addition, Airbus said it booked 644 commercial aircraft orders (574 net) in 2010. The value of the new orders surpassed $84 billion gross ($74 billion net) at list prices. This represents 51 percent by units of the 2010 gross worldwide market share of aircraft beyond 100 seats (52 percent net). Airbus also won 21 new orders for its military aircraft (CN235 and C295).
The company reported that the new commercial orders include 452 A320 Family aircraft, 160 A330/A340/A350 XWB Family aircraft, and 32 new orders for the A380. At 2010 year end, Airbus’ commercial order book backlog was 3,552 aircraft valued at over US$480 billion at list prices, or equaling six years of full production. The military backlog stood at 247 aircraft.
The Toulouse, France-based aircraft company also on Monday announced its 10,000th order with a contract from Virgin America for 60 A320s, including 30 A320neo aircraft. This is the first firm order for the A320 new engine option.
The A320neo (new engine option), was launched in 2010, offering 15 percent less fuel burn. This is equivalent to a saving of up to 3,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions per aircraft per year.
“We hit our 5000th order in August of 2004 – after more than 30 years. To achieve the 10,000th order just over six years later is a ringing endorsement of our product line,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. “And it gives a strong boost to our new, eco-efficient A320neo when Virgin America, one of our newest and trendiest customers, places the first firm order, for which we are extremely grateful.”
