Airbus posted strong revenue growth for 2024, reporting a total of €69.23 billion, up from €65.45 billion the previous year. However, the European planemaker also warned of uncertainties in its aircraft deliveries, offering modest targets for the year ahead.
The company announced a decrease in adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), which fell by 8% to €5.35 billion, compared to €5.84 billion in 2023. This drop was slightly below expectations, primarily due to charges in Airbus’ space division, which is undergoing restructuring.
“FY2024 results are a testament to Airbus’ leadership maintaining an acute focus on the fundamentals,” said Anita Mendiratta, aviation and tourism expert. “The strong order intake across all divisions signifies sustained market confidence – critical in 2024 when, for the first full year since the end of the global pandemic, trade was able to not only recover but grow to a rate of surge,” she added.
The firm delivered 766 commercial aircraft in 2024, up from 735 in 2023, after a strong end-of-year push. Gross orders for commercial aircraft reached 878, with net orders totaling 826 after cancellations.
Looking ahead, Airbus set a delivery target of 820 commercial aircraft for 2025, which is a slight decrease from the 863 deliveries in 2019. “This number seems slightly conservative but is understandable given ongoing supply chain issues,” said Quilter Cheviot equity analyst Matt Dorset. “The company will want to avoid another cut to guidance as occurred in 2024.”
Airbus also cited persistent supply chain challenges, particularly with engine production, aerostructures, and cabin equipment, which continue to affect the ramp-up of the A350 and A220 aircraft. These issues, which stem from the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, are still putting pressure on production.
Looking forward, Airbus expects adjusted EBIT to reach around €7 billion in 2025, with free cash flow before customer financing projected to be roughly €4.5 billion. However, these forecasts do not account for potential tariffs that could be imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
