Airbus delivered 367 new aircraft to 50 operators across the Asia-Pacific region, either directly to airlines or via lessors. This accounted for over half of Airbus’ total deliveries worldwide (718 aircraft) during the year, reflecting the importance of the region for the manufacturer. Deliveries to the region included almost 100 new widebody aircraft and marked the arrival of the long-rage A350 XWB with three new Asian operators.
In 2017, Airbus gained 65% of the market with 100 new aircraft orders from seven customers. This brings the Airbus backlog in the region to more than 2,000 aircraft, corresponding to a third of the total backlog for the company.
The regional results and market forecast were presented by Eric Schulz, Airbus Executive Vice President, Chief of Sales, Marketing & Contracts, at a Media Briefing at the opening of the Singapore Air Show 2018.
“Accounting for one third of Airbus total backlog, one third of Airbus total orders and one third of the overall Airbus in-service fleet, there is no doubt that Asia-Pacific is a core market for Airbus” said Eric Schulz. “With traffic tripling over the next 20 years, and some of the highest growth rates, the Asia-Pacific region will by far be the world’s largest aviation market.”
“Airbus had an excellent year in Asia-Pacific in 2017 and we see more potential in the coming years, in particular in the widebody market, where the region will account for 46% of total worldwide demand. Airbus is perfectly placed to meet this need, already holding 60% of the widebody backlog in the region and offering the most modern and complete widebody product line, with the A330neo, A350 XWB and of course the A380”.
According to the Airbus forecast, the Asia-Pacific region will see an annual increase in passenger traffic of 5.6% and will require some 14,450 new aircraft over the forecast period. This represents more than 40% of global demand for almost 35,000 aircraft over the next 20 years.
