Airbus has reported record sales at the 49th Paris Air Show today, with orders and commitments worth $72 billion. The plane maker has agreed to make 730 aircraft for 16 different customers.
This success sets a new record for any commercial aircraft manufacturer at any air show, ever. The commitments comprise Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for 312 aircraft worth $28.2bn, and concretely agreed purchases for 418 aircraft worth around $44bn
Orders for the A320neo aircraft Family were the most notable, proving to be the most exciting aircraft for those wishing to purchase new aircraft. The biggest order so far has been from AirAsia for 200 of the A320neo aircraft.
The number of commitments to buy these aircraft amounted to 667 – worth around US$60.9bn. Furthermore, this means that the total A320neo Family backlog since its launch in December 2010 has now reached 1,029 units, making it by far the best selling airliner in the history of commercial aviation.
As well as the A320neo, 34 orders worth US$2.8bn for the standard A320 Family showed that the older aircraft also continues to be popular. Commitments were also received for 11 A330s worth $2.4bn, six A350s worth $1.6bn, and 12 A380s worth $4.5bn.
Tom Enders, Airbus president and CEO said: “Le Bourget 2011 is a strong confirmation of our product strategy. With over 1,000 commitments just half a year after launch our A320neo is a real bestseller.”
He added: “I have to admit, I largely underestimated the market demand for neo before this show.”
Airbus is an EADS company, headquartered in Toulouse, France, but a large number of the aerospace giant’s operations are located in the South West of England and Wales. With over 9,000 people employed by Airbus in Broughton, Wales and Bristol, the news of such a large number of orders for new aircraft is excellent for the UK aerospace sector.
George Archer
