Sixteen Customers Swell Books By 730 Airplanes

At the 49th Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, Airbus has won about $72.2 billion worth of business for a total of 730 aircraft. Airbus says this success sets a new record for any commercial aircraft manufacturer at any air show ever. The commitments comprise Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 312 aircraft worth $28.2 billion and firm purchase orders for 418 aircraft worth around $44.0 billion.

For Airbus, the A320neo Family was clearly the star of the week, winning an unprecedented 667 commitments worth some $60.9 billion. That pushes the total A320neo Family backlog since its launch in December 2010 to 1,029 units, which Airbus says makes it the best selling airliner in the history of commercial aviation.

In addition to the A320neo Family’s success, the standard A320 Family also continues to be popular, having received 34 commitments worth $2.8 billion at the show. Commitments were also received for 11 A330s worth $2.4 billion, six A350s worth $1.6 billion, and 12 A380s worth $4.5 billion.

“Le Bourget 2011 is a strong confirmation of our product strategy. With over 1,000 commitments just half a year after launch our A320neo is a real bestseller,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. "I have to admit, I largely underestimated the market demand for neo before this show.”

FMI: www.airbus.com