LISI 2012
23
For Airbus, a year of records
In 2012, Airbus increased its production for the 11
th
conse
cutive year; however, record figures were booked for
both production and orders: 588 aircraft (10% increase)
delivered to 89 customers; and, gross orders of 914 aircraft
which greatly exceed their 650 order objective. The order
book at Airbus recorded a new record of 4,682 aircraft with
a value exceeding $638 billion.
The success of the Airbus aircraft families was apparent.
The A330 was confirmed with 9.5 aircraft deliveries per
month in 2012 and a planned increase to 10 per month
beginning in spring of 2013. Production of the A380
established a new record with 30 aircraft produced in
2012. The development and entry into production of the
A350 XWB continues with an inaugural flight planned
for the first half of 2013. The A320 Neo is on track with
a majority of the supplier statement of work packages
allocated during 2012. The development of the A400M is
coming to an end with the first aircraft delivery planned
for the second quarter of 2013.
For Boeing, the largest number of
orders booked in their history
Boeing ended 2012 with numerous records: 1,203 net
orders for commercial aircraft, or their second best year
ever; 601 aircraft delivered, representing their best year
since 1999; the B737 program beat its own record for
orders, deliveries and backlog with 4,373 aircrafts on
the books which is the largest number in the history of
Boeing. The B737 family reached record numbers with
1,124 net orders, including 914 orders for the 737 Max.
There were 46 deliveries of the B787 and 83 deliveries of
the B777 in 2012. Additionally, there were 31 deliveries of
the Intercontinental and Cargo versions of the new B747-
8 in 2012.
A standard year for the other
markets
The helicopter market held up well in 2012, both on civil
and military programs, due to growth in demand for
legacy programs aligned to an increase of new programs.
The business and regional jet market remained flat over
the entire year.
The aerospace engine market was reorganized and
experienced increased competition between the various
players: Pratt & Whitney with their NGPF Pure Power
engine vs. the GE-SNECMA Alliancewith their LEAP engine.
The market for engines intended for short-haul aircraft
(A320 Neo, B737 Max) increased dramatically due to the
significant order volumes of their respective customers,
Airbus and Boeing.
Finally, the Rolls-Royce group withdrew from its alliance
with Pratt & Whitney on engines intended for short-
haul aircraft in order to concentrate on the Trent engines
intended for long-haul aircraft (B747, B787, A350, A330).
Production rates for the Trent engines remained stable
in 2012; but, should grow in 2013 due to an increase in
demand for long-haul aircraft in 2013.
