Airbus Reports Strong First-Quarter Results and Raises Production Outlook
Airbus announced a profit of 1,219 million euros for the first quarter, with commentary implying a multiplication factor around 2.37 when viewed against a prior period. The European aerospace manufacturer noted the results in a statement released this Wednesday, reflecting performance in the same quarter of 2021 and signaling continued momentum into the new year.
During the initial three months, Airbus saw a notable uptick in commercial aircraft deliveries. The count rose from 125 units in January through March 2021 to 142 units in the corresponding period this year, underscoring improved demand and production efficiency in the commercial aircraft segment.
In terms of billing, the overall revenue increase stood at 15 percent. The company, in its release, indicated a 17 percent rise to 12,000 million euros in total turnover, with 8,541 million euros attributed to the commercial aircraft division. The group’s net operating profit (Ebit) climbed by about 2.09 times to 1,429 million euros (roughly 1,500 million dollars), with the lion’s share of that improvement anchored in the commercial aircraft division, which reported an Ebit of 1,242 million euros. This result represented substantial year-over-year growth, with the segment’s profitability contributing meaningfully to the group’s overall financial strength.
CEO Guillaume Faury highlighted the quarterly results as a snapshot of resilience across Airbus’s divisions and markets. He described the performance as robust and reiterated the company’s commitment to its 2022 targets. Airbus plans to deliver 720 aircraft in the year and aims to generate adjusted Ebit cash flows of around 5.5 billion euros (approximately 5.7 billion dollars) and approximately 3.5 billion euros in other cash flow metrics. The plan reflects continued confidence in the company’s commercial pipeline and production capacity as market dynamics evolve.
Looking beyond the current results, Faury presented a longer-term perspective that underscores confidence in a continued recovery. The leadership remains focused on maintaining a strong order book and expanding production to meet rising demand while managing costs and operational efficiency across programs and geographies.
Airbus has also reiterated its strategic production ambitions for its flagship A320 family, a cornerstone of its single-aisle lineup. The plan involves gradually increasing the production rate from just over 40 units per month in 2021 to 65 per month by the summer of 2023, and further up to 75 per month by 2025. This trajectory aligns with market expectations and the company’s goal of balancing capacity with demand, ensuring stability across the supply chain while continuing to invest in modernization and workforce development.
In summary, the quarter showcased solid profitability, rising deliveries, and a clear production plan aimed at sustaining growth through evolving market conditions. Airbus’s results reflect a combination of disciplined cost management, strong demand in the commercial aviation segment, and a strategic push to scale production in line with anticipated demand trajectory.