Airbus reports nine-month 2021 results

Airbus has reported consolidated financial results for the nine months ended 30 September 2021. “The nine-month results reflect a strong performance across the company as well as our efforts on cost containment and competitiveness. As the global recovery continues, we are closely monitoring potential risks to our industry. We are focused on securing the A320 family ramp up and striving to ensure the right industrial and supply chain capabilities are in place,” said Airbus Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury. Based on our nine-month performance, we have updated our 2021 earnings and cash guidance. We are strengthening the balance sheet to secure investment for our long-term ambitions.”

Gross commercial aircraft orders totalled 270 (9m 2020: 370 aircraft) with net orders of 133 aircraft after cancellations (9m 2020: 300 aircraft). The order backlog on September 30, 2021 was 6,894 commercial aircraft. Airbus Helicopters booked 185 net orders (9m 2020: 143 units), including ten helicopters of the Super Puma family. Airbus Defence and Space’s order intake by value was €10.1 billion (9m 2020: €8.2 billion) with third-quarter orders including 56 C295 aircraft for India, two A400Ms for Kazakhstan and support and spares contract renewals for the German and Spanish Eurofighter fleets.

Consolidated revenues increased 17% to €35.2 billion (9m 2020: €30.2 billion), mainly reflecting the higher number of commercial aircraft deliveries compared to 9m 2020. A total of 424 commercial aircraft were delivered (9m 2020: 341 aircraft), comprising 34 A220s, 341 A320 family, 11 A330s, 36 A350s and 2 A380s. Revenues generated by Airbus’ commercial aircraft activities increased 21 percent, largely reflecting the delivery performance compared to 2020 which was strongly impacted by COVID-19. Airbus Helicopters delivered 194 units (9m 2020: 169 units) with revenues up 14% reflecting growth in services as well as the higher delivery number, notably more helicopters from the Super Puma family. Revenues at Airbus Defence and Space were broadly stable year-on-year with four A400M military airlifters delivered in 9m 2021.

Consolidated EBIT Adjusted – an alternative performance measure and key indicator capturing the underlying business margin by excluding material charges or profits caused by movements in provisions related to programmes, restructuring or foreign exchange impacts as well as capital gains/losses from the disposal and acquisition of businesses – was €3,369 million (9m 2020: €-125 million).

The EBIT Adjusted related to Airbus’ commercial aircraft activities totalled €2,739 million (9m 2020: €-641 million), mainly driven by the operational performance linked to deliveries and efforts on cost containment and competitiveness. £1.00 = €1.18 at time of publication).