Airbus Soars to New Heights Record Orders and Delivery Triumph over Boeing in 2023

In an impressive show of strength, Airbus achieved a landmark victory in the aviation industry, surpassing its rival Boeing in both orders and deliveries for the year 2023. The European aerospace giant reported a staggering 2,319 gross orders and 2,094 net orders after cancellations. Notably, Airbus managed to deliver 735 airplanes, exceeding its target of 720 and leaving an order backlog of 8,598 aircraft.

This achievement underscores a remarkable recovery and growth in the aviation sector, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury attributed this success to the increased flexibility and capability of the company’s industrial system, despite initial struggles with tight supply chains. Faury expressed confidence in Airbus meeting its ambitious target of assembling 75 A320neo family jets per month by 2026.

Christian Scherer, the newly appointed CEO of the core commercial aircraft business, highlighted the faster-than-expected recovery of aviation from the pandemic, particularly in the demand for large widebodies. Airbus is reportedly sold out until the end of the decade for single-aisle jets and 2028 for widebodies.

The A321XLR, Airbus’s latest and longest-range single-aisle jet, is expected to see its first delivery in the second quarter of the year, further bolstering the company’s robust product portfolio.

In comparison, Boeing, still grappling with the aftereffects of the 737 MAX safety grounding and other production issues, reported 528 aircraft deliveries in 2023. The American aerospace giant booked 1,314 net new orders. Despite these numbers, Airbus’s performance firmly places it ahead in the industry, marking the fifth consecutive year that Airbus has led in terms of manufacturing.

As the industry navigates through a period of recovery and growth, Airbus’s achievements in 2023 highlight the company’s resilience and strategic vision, setting a high bar for the future of aviation manufacturing.