Airbus forecasts higher A320 deliveries and announces special dividend as Boeing struggles with 737 Max 9 crisis
Airbus said it expects to deliver 800 of its best-selling narrowbody A320 jets this year amid struggles at rival Boeing.
Airbus said it expects to deliver 800 of its best-selling narrowbody A320 jets this year, as its long-term rival Boeing struggles in crisis after a major incident with its 737 Max 9 aircraft last month.
The French planemaker’s forecast marks an increase of 65 from a 2023 total of 735.
Airbus’s bumper forecast came as it unveiled a special dividend for investors following a strong set of results.
The company’s order intake increased to €186.5bn (£159bn), up from €82.5bn (£70.6bn) in 2022. Revenues rose 11 per cent year-on-year to €65.4bn (£56bn after it delivered 571 of its A320 aircraft.
Adjusted earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) related to the company’s commercial aircraft activities increased to €4.8bn (£4.1bn), up from €6.7bn (£5.7bn) last year, “reflecting the higher deliveries and a more favourable hedge rate.”
EBIT for the full year is expected to come in at between €6.5bn (£5.6bn) and €7.0bn (£6bn).
“We will continue to invest in our global industrial system while progressing on our transformation and decarbonisation journey. Our dividend proposals are a reflection of the strong 2023 financials, our growth prospects in 2024 and balance sheet strength.”
Shares rose 0.91 per cent following the announcement.