Airbus announced on July 8, 2024, that it delivered 323 new aircraft in the first half of 2024. This marks a 2% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The European planemaker achieved this milestone despite ongoing supply chain constraints that impacted the industry. The deliveries were spread throughout the first six months, with June seeing a particularly strong performance of 67 aircraft delivered.
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This achievement puts Airbus on track to meet its revised full-year target of 770 deliveries, which was adjusted down from the initial goal of 800 due to the aforementioned supply chain issues. A key factor in Airbus' success during this period was the contribution of its Tianjin Final Assembly Line (FAL) in China. This facility has been steadily ramping up production and is now a significant contributor to Airbus' global manufacturing footprint. Airbus praised the Chinese plant for its efficiency and reliability in meeting production targets.
The A320neo family remained the workhorse for Airbus, with 261 deliveries in the first half. The monthly delivery rate for these single-aisle jets ranged between 41 and 53 units, showcasing consistent production. This success comes at a time when Airbus' main competitor, Boeing, is grappling with its own set of challenges, including safety issues and production delays.
Airbus' ability to deliver on its targets, while acknowledging industry hurdles, is a positive sign for the company. The strong performance of the Chinese plant further highlights Airbus' efforts to diversify its manufacturing base and cater to the growing aviation market in Asia. While challenges persist, Airbus seems well-positioned to navigate the current environment and potentially solidify its lead in the commercial aviation sector.