At the end of August 2023, the Airbus order book crossed the symbolic milestone of 8,000 aircraft. A historic moment for the European manufacturer but masked by the problems of the Pratt & Whitney GTF.
More than 8,000 planes in the backlog for Airbus
As of June 30, 2023, Airbus’ order book was no longer far from 8,000 aircraft, or 7,967 aircraft still to be delivered. As of August 31, the symbolic milestone of 8,000 aircraft in the backlog was reached (8,024). A volume never reached by the European aircraft manufacturer. The Airbus order book therefore increased by 685 aircraft compared to June 30, 2022 (7,339), notably due to the effects of contracts recorded in the first half of 2023 and in particular orders placed by Air India and IndiGo for a total of 750 single-aisle and twin-aisle.
Towards 720 deliveries in 2023?
In addition to the contract effect which continued over the months of July and August but in lower volumes (Icelandair, Pegasus Airlines, Wizz Air, etc.), Airbus was able to deliver more aircraft, i.e. 433 over the first eight months of 2023 compared to 380 over the same period of 2022. That is 53 more devices, which is not nothing considering a chain of suppliers which is still having difficulties. Airbus now has to deliver 287 aircraft over the last four months of 2023, or a theoretical average of 72 deliveries per month.
At least 70 deliveries per month from September to December 2023
In 2022, the European manufacturer ended the year with 661 deliveries, i.e. a monthly average of 55 over the whole year and 70 over the last four months of 2022. A priori, the objective of 720 deliveries in 2023 is therefore achievable, within around ten units. Especially since Airbus can also “play” with its inventory (assembled planes, off the line and not delivered to customers), even if the latter is far from that which weighs on Boeing’s accounts (at least 200 737 MAX and 787 ).
