Airbus released its third quarter 2022 operational and financial results, showing a clear trend of industry recovery.
First, commercial aircraft orders increased to 647, almost triple compared to the same period last year, when 270 aircraft were sold. This brings the manufacturer’s backlog to 7,294 units. According to Airbus, the A320 family program is on target to produce 65 aircraft per month by early 2024, and 75 by 2025. A total of 437 commercial aircraft were delivered, comprising 34 A220s, 340 A320 Family, 21 A330s, and 42 A350s.
Base work continues at all sites to enable all A320 Family final assembly lines (FAL) to be capable of producing the A321. On the widebody side, Airbus said it is studying the feasibility of further production rate increases to meet growing market demand.
On the Airbus Helicopters side, 246 net orders (2021: 185 units) were recorded, evenly spread across the programs. 193 units were delivered, the same number as in 2021, when 194 helicopters went to their owners.
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Speaking of finances, the European giant said total group revenues increased to €38.1 billion (2021: €35.2 billion). Revenues generated by Airbus’ commercial aircraft activities increased by 8% year-on-year, mainly thanks to higher deliveries. Airbus Helicopters saw a 9% increase in revenues, mainly reflecting the service’s growth. Airbus Defence and Space revenues, meanwhile, rose 10%; seven A400M aircraft were delivered in the nine months of 2022.
“We achieved solid financial results in the nine months of 2022 while dealing with a complex operating environment,” said Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus. “The supply chain remains fragile but our commercial aircraft delivery targets are maintained. Our teams are focused on accelerating commercial aircraft production in the coming months.”
Airbus’ financial result was a loss of € 306 million (vs. € 172 million in 2021). Consolidated free cash flow was € 2,502 million. As of 30 September 2022, the consolidated net cash position was € 8 billion.
