Airbus core revenues increase thanks to increased number of aircraft deliveries

Airbus has announced a jump in its adjusted first quarter profit to 549 million euros, the European planner enjoying an increase in aircraft deliveries.

On Tuesday, adjusted earnings before interest and taxes, which eliminates material charges, rose from € 14 million in the first quarter of last year to € 549 million.

However, the amount of EBIT reported for the period was established at 181 million euros, compared with 199 million euros the previous year, mainly due a single charge of 190 million euros resulting from the prolonged suspension of defense export licenses to Saudi Arabia by the German government. . Net profit fell to 40 million euros, compared with 283 million euros the previous year.

Revenues for the period increased 24% to € 12.5 billion, driven by the increase in commercial aircraft deliveries as production progressed. Airbus delivered 162 commercial aircraft in the first three months of the year, including 126 from the A320 family.

The company also reiterated its goal of delivering 880 to 890 aircraft this year. Rival Boeing, who had to cut the production of his best-selling 737 Max aircraft, after the global jet plane crashed in March, suspended his delivery forecast for the first time. full year due to uncertainty about the date of the next flight of the aircraft.

Airbus said Tuesday that its gross commercial aircraft orders rose to 62 compared to 68 for the same period last year, including 38 A350XWBs. However, net commercial orders were negative 58 after 120 cancellations, mainly reflecting the gradual reduction of the A380 program.

Airbus said its order backlog for commercial aircraft was 7,357 at the end of March.

"The underlying financial data for the first quarter primarily reflects the ramp-up and delivery phase of our commercial aircraft," said new Airbus chief executive, Guillaume Faury, who had taken the reins earlier this year. month.

"The commercial aircraft market remains robust and we continue to see good prospects for helicopters and the defense and space sectors. The new management team is in place and focused on meeting our commitments. "