The latest figures from European airframer Airbus shows that the company hit its delivery target in 2021 and delivered 611 aircraft to 88 customers, an 8% increase on the previous year.
Airbus says that around a quarter of these deliveries were using the now established e-Delivery system which provides a virtual handover of the aircraft without the need for technical parties to travel.
Single-aisle airliners such as the Airbus A320/321 made up the bulk of the deliveries with positive figures also for the A350, A330 and the smaller Airbus A220.
Airbus also received 771 new orders for aircraft in 2022, although when posted against cancellations and changes the net figure is 507. Again, the majority of orders are for single-aisle airliners with 661 being for A320neo family aircraft.
Speaking about the results, Airbus Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury said: “Our commercial aircraft achievements in 2021 reflect the focus and resilience of our Airbus teams, customers, suppliers and stakeholders across the globe who pulled together to deliver remarkable results. The year saw significant orders from airlines worldwide, signalling confidence in the sustainable growth of air travel post-COVID” adding “While uncertainties remain, we are on track to lift production through 2022 to meet our customers’ requirements. At the same time we are preparing the future of aviation, transforming our industrial capabilities and implementing the roadmap for decarbonisation.”
Airbus says it has a current aircraft backlog of 7,082 aircraft.
Airbus Deliveries 2021 vs 2020
| Aircraft Family | 2021 | 2020 |
| Airbus A220 | 50 | 38 |
| Airbus A320 | 483 | 446 |
| Airbus A330 | 18 | 19 |
| Airbus A50 | 55 | 59 |
| Airbus A380 (including final aircraft) | 5 | 4 |
| 611 | 566 |
Good aircraft