Airbus posts full year 2017 results

Airbus has reported 2017 revenues of €66.8bn (2016: €66.6bn) with higher aircraft deliveries offset by a reduction in revenues of around €2bn from the perimeter changes. Commercial Aircraft revenues rose by 3.5% with record deliveries of 718 aircraft (2016: 688 aircraft) comprising 558 A320 Family, 78 A350 XWBs, 67 A330s and 15 A380s. Helicopters’ revenues were slightly lower with deliveries of 409 units (2016: 418 units). Revenues at Defence and Space reflected the Division’s perimeter changes of around €1.7bn but were 7% higher on a comparable basis driven mainly by military aircraft.
EBIT Adjusted increased to €4,253m (2016: €3,955m).
Commercial Aircraft’s EBIT Adjusted of €3,554m (2016: €2,811m) reflected the strong delivery performance supported by improved foreign exchange rates.
Helicopters’ EBIT Adjusted declined to € 337m (2016: €350m) but was broadly stable on a comparable basis. Lower deliveries, an unfavourable mix and lower commercial flight hours in services were compensated by transformation efforts which have globally supported the Division’s competitiveness in a challenging market. The sale of the maintenance, repair and overhaul business Vector Aerospace was closed in November.
Defence and Space’s EBIT Adjusted amounted to €872m (2016: €1,002m), reflecting the perimeter changes but was broadly stable on a comparable basis.
A total of 181 A320neo Family aircraft were delivered, up from 68 during 2016.
Supplier Pratt & Whitney introduced new engine fixes in the fourth quarter which have been certified. A new issue has arisen recently, the impact of which is under assessment with respect to 2018 deliveries. CFM International meanwhile experienced some maturity issues in 2017 on some batches of the LEAP-1A engine. The A320neo ramp-up remains challenging and requires that the engine suppliers deliver in line with commitments. On the A350, good progress was made with the industrial ramp-up, recurring cost convergence and the reduction of outstanding work in the Final Assembly Line, which has been significantly reduced. The A350 programme is preparing to reach the targeted monthly production rate of 10 by the end of 2018. Meanwhile, Emirates Airline’s latest order provides increased visibility on the A380 programme for the years to come.
Net income increased to €2,873m (2016: €995m) after the EBIT Adjustments with earnings per share of €3.71 (2016: €1.29)