Airbus announces revenues of £23bn for first six months of year

Airplane manufacturer Airbus had revenues of £23bn in the first half of the year which resulted in earnings of £1.9bn.

The world’s largest planemaker said adjusted earnings before interest and tax rose 34 per cent to £1.5bn.

The company, which employs around 4,500 staff at its wing-making plant in Broughton near Chester and more in Filton near Bristol, delivered 316 aircraft in the first half of the year.

The firm’s chief executive Guillaume Faury said that the international economy is starting to show signs of returning to normal after the series of shocks it has suffered.

He added: “During the first half of 2023 we progressed well across our businesses in an operational environment that remains complex.

“Our commercial aircraft are in strong demand, as demonstrated by more than 800 orders announced at the Paris Air Show.

“This demand is driven both by growth and fleet replacement as airlines invest in more fuel efficient fleets.”

As a result of the more settled picture the company is maintaining its guidance for the rest of the year.

Gross commercial aircraft orders totalled 1,080 with net orders of 1,044 aircraft after cancellations.

The order backlog amounted to a record 7,967 commercial aircraft at the end of June 2023.

Airbus Defence and Space’s order intake by value was £5.1bn including 4 new-build and 5 converted A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft for Canada.