Airbus has released figures showing its deliveries of aircraft are down approximately 35 per cent compared with February.
The aircraft manufacturer delivered 55 aircraft in February with no new orders made in the month. This dropped to 36 in March due to the continuing global coronavirus pandemic, however, the business did receive orders for 60 aircraft for future deliveries.
Of continuing concern for the manufacturer is the number of orders being cancelled as airlines face financial pressures and can no longer afford large purchases.
According to the company’s February figures, 22 orders had been cancelled at the end of February. As of the end of March, this stands at 66 cancellations, meaning that a further 44 have been cancelled.
Further announcements have been made by airlines cancelling orders including LATAM, which has cancelled an order for 10 A350s, and SaudiGulf airlines, which cancelled an order for 16 A220s.
In its press release, Airbus outlined its position and its efforts to reduce the effect of the COVID-19 virus.
“The impact of this pandemic is unprecedented. At Airbus, protecting our people and supporting the fight against the virus are our chief priorities at this time,” said Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury.
“We are in constant dialogue with our customers and supply chain partners as we are all going through these difficult times together.”
Airbus has carried out extensive work in co-ordination with social partners to ensure the health and safety of its employees. This has been achieved by implementing new stringent work standards and processes.
Airbus is contributing to the development, sourcing and ferrying of medical equipment, including facemasks and ventilators, in support of medical health services.
Airbus also announced that it has revised its production rates. As such, the company only plans to construct 48 aircraft a month (excluding the Airbus A220 family). This will mean that the group will only produce 40 A320s, two A330s, and six A350s per month.
