DALLAS — Airbus’ full-year 2024 results show revenue at US$74.7 billion (€69.2 billion), adjusted EBIT at US$5.8 billion (€5.4 billion), and net result at US$4.7 billion (€4.2 billion).
The European aerospace sector produced 766 commercial aircraft, higher than the 735 in 2023, and took 826 net orders.
Despite a challenging year, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury emphasized the strong demand for the group's planes, citing a book-to-bill ratio of over 1.
"We recorded robust order intake in all business segments while meeting our 2024 guidance. Our priority is to increase production, implement our strategy in Defence and Space, and pursue our decarbonization ambitions," said Faury.
Further, Airbus suggested a higher dividend of US$2.17 (€ 2.00) per share and a special dividend of US$1.08 (€1.00).
Commercial Aircraft Breakdown
- 75 Airbus A220
- 602 Airbus A320
- 32 Airbus A330
- 57 Airbus A350
Production of the A320neo Family is expected to climb to 75 aircraft a month by 2027.
Production on the A350 program is also accelerating toward 12 jets a month by 2028, although supply chain issues have severely affected production timelines on the A220 and A350.
Commercial aircraft gross orders totaled 878, with net orders at 826 after cancellations.
Financial Performance: Revenue Growth
Airbus's commercial aircraft revenue rose to US$54.7 billion (€50.6 billion), up 6% due to increased aircraft deliveries and a solid US dollar.
Despite the overall revenue expansion, Airbus's EBIT Adjusted declined 8% yearly to US$5.8 billion (€5.4 billion), primarily due to increased investments in ramping up production.
Free cash flow before customer financing was solid at US$4.8 billion (€4.5 billion), underpinning the company's financial stability and future investments.
Production Challenges and Outlook for 2025
The firm is also experiencing supply chain disruptions, specifically with Spirit AeroSystems, which are impacting the production timelines for the A220 and A350.
Although A220 production aims to reach 14 aircraft per month by 2026, the A350 freighter's entry into service is pushed back to late 2027, stabilizing production and deliveries.
In 2025, Airbus plans to provide around 820 aircraft, aiming at:
- EBIT Adjusted US$7.7 billion (€7.0 billion)
- Free customer financing-adjusted cash flow of US$ 4.8 billion (€4.5 billion)
In addition, Airbus has extended its sustainability efforts by expanding its use of SAF.
Strategic Priorities for 2025
Airbus continues to stay on track with:
- Production Ramp-Up: Scaling up production of the A320 Family and A350 while coping with supply chain challenges.
- Defense & Space Transformation: Strengthening military aircraft and satellite operations despite programmatic adversity.
- Sustainability & Decarbonization: Investment in SAF-friendly aircraft, exploration of hydrogen-based solutions, and overall reduction in emissions
Uncertainty persists over disruptions in global trade, threatened supply chains, and geopolitical threats, yet Airbus is optimistic about its growth trajectory into 2025.
With strong foundations and a record backlog of orders, we are well positioned to navigate the challenges ahead of us while maintaining a drive for innovation and sustainable flight," Faury added.
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Featured image: Alberto Cucini/Airways
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