In a year marked by significant challenges in the aerospace industry, Airbus has once again secured its position as the world's leading aircraft manufacturer by delivering 766 commercial jets in 2024. This figure not only cements Airbus's dominance for the sixth consecutive year but also highlights its resilience amid global supply chain issues and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on aviation. Airbus's performance in 2024 was slightly below its target of "around 770" deliveries, a goal set amidst a complex operating environment characterized by engine shortages and supply chain disruptions. Despite falling short by four aircraft, the company's ability to deliver 766 jets reflects an impressive operational capacity. This number represents a 4% increase over the previous year, although the growth rate was significantly lower than the 11% increase seen in 2023, indicating a tapering in the pace of recovery.
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The year saw Airbus tackling various logistical hurdles. Supply chain constraints, particularly in engine availability and aircraft interiors, posed substantial challenges. The company had to navigate through these issues, often requiring complex negotiations with suppliers and airlines to ensure that deliveries could proceed. Airbus's strategy included securing additional engine supplies and working closely with its supply chain to mitigate delays, though some aircraft deliveries were inevitably postponed to 2025. Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus's Commercial Aircraft division, emphasized the achievement, stating, "2024 confirmed sustained demand for new aircraft. We won key customer decisions with the most important customers and saw phenomenal momentum for our widebody order book, complementing our leading position in the single-aisle market." This success is underscored by Airbus's order intake of 878 gross new orders, resulting in an 826 net order count after cancellations, with its year-end backlog standing at 8,658 aircraft.
The A321neo, part of the A320 family, constituted a significant portion of Airbus's deliveries, accounting for 60% of its narrowbody output. This model's popularity continues to grow, with demand driven by airlines seeking fuel-efficient, versatile aircraft for various route segments. Airbus also made notable strides in the widebody market, with the A330neo and A350 series seeing strong orders and deliveries, reflecting confidence in long-haul travel's recovery. This year's performance comes as Airbus's arch-rival, Boeing, faces its own set of challenges, including production delays and safety concerns, which have impacted its delivery numbers. While Boeing has not yet released its 2024 delivery figures, industry observers anticipate a significant gap, given Boeing's cautious recovery strategy following recent operational and regulatory setbacks.
Airbus's achievements in 2024 are not just about numbers; they reflect a broader strategic vision. The company is not only focusing on increasing its production rates but also on sustainability and innovation. With plans to ramp up production further, especially for the A320 family to 75 aircraft per month by 2027, Airbus is positioning itself for future growth while addressing environmental concerns through more fuel-efficient aircraft designs. The year ended with Airbus looking forward to 2025 when it will disclose its full-year financial results and new targets in February. The company's success in 2024, despite not meeting its headline delivery goal, illustrates its adaptability and strategic foresight in navigating the volatile aerospace market, maintaining its top spot in global aircraft manufacturing.