Airbus Sees Revenue Rise, Despite Decline in Plane Sales

Airbus Industrie, the European aircraft maker, reported a 9.2% increase in revenue in 1993, reaching $8.3-billion (U.S.) from $7.6-billion in 1992. However, the company faced significant challenges, including a decline in total plane sales and large order cancellations for the second consecutive year. Despite these setbacks, Airbus secured its first order of the year, a significant boost to the company's prospects. The order from Air Inter, a French domestic carrier, comprised nine A319s and options on nine other aircraft.

Key Takeaways:

• Airbus's revenue rose 9.2% in 1993 to $8.3-billion (U.S.) from $7.6-billion in 1992.
• Total plane sales in 1993 dropped from the previous year's figures.
• Sales of the A330 and A340 airliners increased, despite overall decline in plane sales.
• Airbus secured its first order of the year from Air Inter, for nine A319s and options on nine other aircraft.
• The company took 38 new orders worth about $3.5-billion in 1993, but 69 previous orders were cancelled, resulting in a net deficit of 31 aircraft.
• Cancellations were partly caused by a shakeout in the U.S. airline industry, leading to restructurings and protections from creditors.
• Airbus plans to produce 134 aircraft in 1994, 138 in 1995, and 154 in 1996.
• The company has an order backlog of 667 aircraft, a significant number despite the challenges faced.

Statistics:

• $8.3-billion (U.S.) - Airbus's revenue in 1993.
• $7.6-billion (U.S.) - Airbus's revenue in 1992 (9.2% increase).
• 38 new orders - worth $3.5-billion in 1993.
• 69 cancelled orders - resulting in a net deficit of 31 aircraft.
• 31 net deficit - in aircraft orders due to cancellations.
• 667 - Airbus's order backlog.
• 134 - planned aircraft production in 1994.
• 138 - planned aircraft production in 1995.
• 154 - planned aircraft production in 1996.

Sources:

• "Airbus Industrie Posts 9.2% Rise in Revenue." Reuters News Agency, Paris, FRANCE (exact date not specified).