Record revenues for Airbus as they announce an increase in A320 production

Airbus Group reported strong 2014 results, reflecting an improved operational performance with record commercial aircraft deliveries, revenues and order backlog.

The plane making giant’s operating earnings before one-off items rose 54 percent to€4 billion euros as revenue gained 5 percent to€60.7 billion 

The company has an order book currently worth a record €857.5 billion at year-end versus €680.6 billion in 2013, Airbus received 1,456 net commercial aircraft orders and HAS a backlog of 6,386 aircraft at year-end.

Tom Enders, Airbus Group Chief Executive Officer.

“We achieved a significant improvement in profitability and cash generation in 2014 thanks to a record order book and strong operational performance in most areas.

We delivered more commercial aircraft than ever before, including the first A350, and our net orders were, once again, more than twice the number of deliveries. Due to strong demand for single aisle aircraft we have decided to increase production of our A320 family to 50 aircraft per month from 2017 onwards.

At the same time, we have decided to temporarily reduce A330 production to six aircraft per month in 2016.

Most importantly, we confirm the A380 break-even for 2015. We are focused on tackling our various operational challenges, including the A350 and A400M ramp-up and costs, first A320neo deliveries, boosting helicopter sales, and continuing the reshaping of our defence and space portfolio.”

Airbus has decided to further increase the production rate for its very successful A320 Family to 50 aircraft per month from Q1 2017, matching market demand.

Additionally, Airbus will reduce the A330 production rate to six a month from Q1 2016 as it transitions towards the A330neo.

“As an aircraft manufacturer, it is our role, for our employees, partners, customers and investors to anticipate market demands whilst delivering on orders and managing revenues,” said Didier Evrard, Executive Vice President Programmes.

“Given the success of the A320 Family, both CEO and NEO, we work closely with our supply chain, assess our manufacturing capabilities and decide on the most appropriate rate. On widebodies we are adjusting A330 production in preparation for transition to NEO while in parallel the A350 XWB is on a steep ramp-up.”

image: Airbus