Airbus reports 'adverse operating environment' but 'strong demand' in the first quarter

Global major aerospace group Airbus reported on Wednesday that it had delivered 127 commercial aircraft during the first quarter of this year (1Q23). Commercial aircraft gross orders during the quarter came to 156, which was down on the gross figure of 253 reported in the first quarter of last year (1Q22). However, in sharp contrast, net orders (following cancellations) during 1Q23 totalled 142, as against net orders of just 83 during 1Q22. The total order backlog at the end of March was 7 254 aircraft. Airbus Helicopters delivered 71 machines in 1Q23, as against 39 in 1Q22, mostly in the light helicopter market segment. Net orders came to 39, well spread across its categories and types, but down on the 56 recorded in 1Q22. Revenues were up 26%, year-on-year. Airbus Defence and Space won orders worth €2.5-billion in 1Q23, which was a drop of 21% in relation to its order intake of €3.2-billion in 1Q22.