Airbus delivers 566 aircraft in 2020

Aviation Updates Philippines – European planemaker Airbus said it has delivered 566 commercial aircraft last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic — 34 percent fewer than 2019's total of 863 aircraft.

STILL ROLLING. Airbus recorded a relatively strong 2020 in terms of deliveries as it only reported a 34 percent decrease in the statistics. Photo from Airbus.

In order to overcome international travel restrictions, the Airbus team developed an innovative e-delivery solution that represented more than 25% of the 2020 deliveries, allowing customers to receive their aircraft while minimizing the need for their teams to travel.

“Working hand-in-hand with our customers allowed us to navigate a difficult year. The Airbus teams, customers, and suppliers truly pulled together in the face of adversity to deliver this result. We also thank our partners and governments for their strong support to the sector,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. 

“Based on our 2020 deliveries we are cautiously optimistic as we look into 2021, although challenges and uncertainties remain high in the short term,” he added.

Moreover, Airbus recorded a total of 383 new aircraft orders, 268 net orders, and a backlog of 7,184 new aircraft for 2020, even after the cancellation of 115 orders.

The Airbus A220 family proved to be a hit as it recorded 64 new orders after Airbus acquired 75 percent of the program from Bombardier last year. Meanwhile, the planemaker received 296 orders for the A320 family, two and 21 for the Airbus A330 and the Airbus A350 families, respectively.