Airbus has reported an increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2019 amounting to EUR12.55 billion compared to EUR10.1 billion for the same period last year.
Airbus delivered 162 planes during the quarter, 96 of them being Airbus A320Neo family jets. By the middle of 2019, Airbus expects the program to be producing up to 60 aircraft per month and 63 per month by 2021.
“The first quarter underlying financials mainly reflect our commercial aircraft ramp-up and delivery phasing. The commercial aircraft market remains robust and we continue to see good prospects in the helicopters and defence and space businesses. The new management team is in place and focused on delivering on our commitments,” explained Chief executive Guillaume Faury, who stepped in at the end of last month to replace former CEO, Tom Enders.
Gross commercial aircraft orders stood at 62 planes compared to 6 more for the same period last year while net commercial aircraft orders were down to -58 as a result of 120 cancelled orders from the termination of the agreement with Etihad and the announcement of the closure of the Airbus A380 program.
Highlights of the quarter included the first TAP Air Portugal Airbus A321Neo delivery which has since been put into service flying all around the carrier’s network.
Additionally, the second Beluga XL, an aircraft used to transport aircraft parts for Airbus, took flight for the first time.
Air Mauritius took delivery of its first Airbus A330-900Neo with the airline becoming the first carrier to operate both the Airbus A330Neo and Airbus A350 worldwide. The Airbus A330Neo ‘offers similar comfort levels as the A350 XWB,’ according to Air Mauritius CEO, Somas Appavou apon the delivery of the first A330-900.
Air Macau also presented its first Airbus A320Neo to the public as part of its order for 8 (comprising both the A320Neo and A321Neo) under leasing agreements as it looks to replace and expand its ever-growing fleet.
Among others, Japan Airlines’ first Airbus A350-900 rolled out of the paintshop.
Airbus has undoubtedly performed better than rival Boeing based in the United States which has suffered immensely from the grounding of every single Boeing 737 MAX flying commercially around the world. Additionally, the manufacturer's reputation was hit hard by problems involving the Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines fitted on the Boeing 787.
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