Airbus Reports Solid 1Q22 Results; A320 Production to Increase

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. The planemaker 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.

“These 1Q22 results reflect a solid performance across our commercial aircraft, helicopter and defense businesses. Our 2022 guidance is unchanged, even though the risk profile for the rest of the year has become more challenging due to the complex geopolitical and economic environment,” said Guillaume Faury, CEO, Airbus.

In 1Q22, the OEM’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. Analysts had forecasted an adjusted EBIT of €719 million (US$759 million), which Airbus surpassed by US$571 million.

Compared with 1Q21, revenues increased by 15 percent in 1Q22 to €12 billion (US$12.65 billion), reflecting a higher number of commercial aircraft deliveries. In 1Q22, 142 commercial airplanes were delivered, compared with 1Q21’s 125 aircraft. From the total 142 planes delivered during 1Q22, 109 are from the A320 family, with A320neo and A321neo as the most popular aircraft.

“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 Faury.

Airbus’ presence in Mexico has grown over the past years. In 2021, the plane maker had a 50.3 percent of the market share, with 156 aircraft in operation, mainly with ultra-low-cost airlines Viva Aerobus and Volaris. The A320 and A320neo concentrate over 38 percent of Mexico’s air fleet, according to the Federal Agency of Civil Aviation (AFAC).

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,” reported Reuters. Presented in 2019, the A321XLR is set to become the longest range single-aisle airliner in the world, promising low-cost transatlantic flights.

The latest upgrade to the best-selling A321 was due to enter service by 2H23. The delay was caused by discussions with regulators regarding the certification of a novel fuel tank needed to boost the jet’s range, reported Reuters.