Airbus reports strong 2024 performance despite supply chain issues

Airbus delivered 766 commercial aircraft to 86 customers worldwide in 2024, falling just short of its adjusted target despite ongoing supply chain challenges.

The aerospace giant, which employs around 5,000 people at its Broughton wing-making plant, also reported 878 gross new orders, translating to 826 net orders after adjustments.

This includes 82 A330s and 142 A350s, further bolstering Airbus’ widebody orderbook, which complements its dominant position in the single-aisle aircraft market.

By the end of 2024, the company’s backlog stood at an impressive 8,658 aircraft.

In July 2024, Airbus reduced its annual delivery target from 800 planes to 770, citing shortages of engines and other critical components.

Despite these challenges, the company nearly matched the revised target, with CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer highlighting the resilience of the team and strong customer relationships.

“2024 confirmed sustained demand for new aircraft. We won key customer decisions with most important customers and saw phenomenal momentum for our widebody orderbook, complementing our leading position in the single-aisle market. On deliveries, we kept our trajectory and celebrated several landmark firsts,” said Scherer.

Key achievements in 2024

Among the year’s highlights were the first deliveries of the A321XLR, as well as the first A330neo and A350 aircraft to multiple customers globally.

Airbus’ widebody jets, such as the A350, accounted for 57 deliveries, while the A320 Family dominated the production line with 602 units delivered, an increase from 571 in 2023.

The full breakdown of deliveries by aircraft type is as follows:

Supply chain challenges

Airbus’ decision to revise its 2024 delivery target reflected the reality of ongoing supply chain constraints, including engine shortages.

Despite these hurdles, the company successfully delivered within its adjusted range, with Scherer expressing gratitude for the efforts of the Airbus team and the trust of its customers.

“Given the complex and fast-changing environment we continue to operate in, we consider 2024 a good year. It has been a massive team effort to deliver this 2024 result. A big thanks to Team Airbus who do what they do, every day, for our customers. And a big thanks to our customers for continuing to put their trust in us and grow our partnerships across the world,” Scherer added.

Looking ahead

Airbus is expected to release its 2024 full-year financial results on 20 February 2025, which will provide further insights into the company’s performance and outlook for 2025.