Airbus delivered just under 390 aircraft in the first half of 2019. This is an impressive number, but falls short of their intended delivery targets. Nevertheless, Airbus is set to beat out Boeing when it comes to total aircraft deliveries in 2019.
One of the biggest issues Airbus has faced is with the Airbus A320neo. The A320neo is a major source of income for Airbus. As a result, delays on this line can significantly impact Airbus’ bottom line. Although Airbus has improved production, engine delays and production-related shortages remain two of the biggest factors hindering additional A320neo deliveries. Even then, Airbus is still improving their numbers when it comes to A320neo delivery.
This year’s mid-way Airbus delivery numbers are boosted partly by the Canadian A220, recently acquired from Bombardier.
Airbus beats Boeing
Boeing is temporarily crippled by the 737 MAX crisis. Due to the worldwide grounding, deliveries of MAX aircraft have been suspended. Like the A320neo, Boeing’s 737 MAX is a profitable line for them. These suspensions will take a heavy toll.
Now, amidst this, Airbus has beaten Boeing so far with more aircraft deliveries in the first-half of 2019. It is likely that Airbus will be able to retain this position through to the end of the year since Boeing’s 737 MAX will not be recertified for at least a few months. According to Boeing, their timeline of reentry is September. But with two months to go, Airbus can continue to deliver more aircraft.
Until now, Airbus has delivered 389 aircraft. In order for Airbus to meet their goal of 880-890 aircraft deliveries in 2019, Airbus has to deliver just shy of 500 aircraft in the second half.
Compared to 2018, Airbus was able to improve their first-half delivery numbers. Over the same period last year, Airbus delivered 303 aircraft. This represents a 28% increase in delivery numbers, and one of the major aircraft lines to improve Airbus’ delivery numbers was the A220.
Will Airbus hit their targets?
In 2018, Airbus delivered around 800 aircraft, and they aim for more deliveries this year, Airbus can likely hit their target. Airbus was able to deliver 500 aircraft in the second half of 2018, so thanks to both the A220 and A320 lines, Airbus can continue to deliver a large number of narrowbodies so their production records increase. But i twill be interesting to see if Airbus will be able to strive and reach their goals.
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