Airbus, Lufthansa, Viva Aerobus in the Spotlight

Despite the challenging global situation, Airbus posted solid 1Q22 results and announced plans to increase production of the best-selling A320 aircraft family. Meanwhile, Viva Aerobus reported outstanding revenue during 1Q22 after months of continuous growth.

Buckle up! This is the Week in Aerospace!

Air Cargo Demand Drops

Global air cargo demand decreased by 5.2 percent during March 2022 compared with March 2021, due to new COVID-19 outbreaks in Asia, the Ukraine-Russia conflict and several logistics challenges, informed IATA.

While capacity for international operations was 2.6 percent above March 2021, “it is a significant decline from the 11.2 percent year-on-year increase in February,” said IATA. Asia and the EU experienced the largest falls in capacity.

Viva Aerobus Reports Outstanding Growth in 1Q22

Mexico’s ultra-low-cost airline Viva Aerobus continues to take major leaps forward, reporting outstanding revenue during 1Q22 after months of continuous growth.

“The first quarter results reflect our continued effort to maintain a disciplined approach in capacity, efficient revenue management initiatives to respond to rapidly changing trends macroeconomics and the flexibility of our ultra-low-cost business model. Successfully navigating the Omicron variant and the highest Jet Fuel prices we have faced since 2008, recorded in March,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua, Director General, Viva Aerobus.

Airbus Reports Solid 1Q22 Results

Airbus SE’s 1Q22 earnings beat the analyst’s forecasts, despite supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 blockades in China and the negative impact of sanctions against Russia. In 1Q22, the planemaker’s adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) climbed to €1.26 billion (US$1.33 billion), from the €694 million (US$732.6 million) the company posted in 1Q21.

Airbus to Increase A320 Production

Airbus is pushing ahead with ambitious plans to ramp up production of its bestselling A320 family of jets from 45 to 75 monthly units by 2025.

“Looking beyond 2022, we see continuing strong growth in commercial aircraft demand driven by the A320 Family. As a result, we are now working with our industry partners to increase A320 Family production rates further to 75 aircraft a month in 2025. This ramp-up will benefit the aerospace industry’s global value chain,” said Guillaume Faury, CEO, Airbus.

Airbus Delays A321XLR to 2024 Amid Safety Talks

Airbus confirmed a delay in development of its A321XLR jet to early 2024 due to “a move by regulators to tighten rules to prevent fire risks.”

Lufthansa to Reduce Carbon Footprint by 15 Percent

Lufthansa is expanding its operations in Mexico as it strengthens its sustainability commitment, said Alejandro Arias, General Manager Mexico and Central America, Lufthansa Group, to MBN. “Lufthansa Group has a great responsibility to the planet, which we honor by reducing our carbon footprint as much as possible. Until 2024, Lufthansa Group will be investing US$250 million in sustainable aviation fuels.” Read the full interview here.