January 17, 2012 - Airbus delivered 534 commercial aircraft to 88 customers (10 new) and booked 1,419 net orders in 2011, making it the most successful year in the company’s history, and the 10th in a row with a production increase. 

The 534 deliveries beat the previous record set in 2010 by 24 aircraft. Deliveries include a new record for 421 single aisle aircraft (401 in 2010), 87 A330 Family (87 in 2010) and 26 A380s (18 in 2010). 

December was a record month for the A380, with four deliveries in a single month. Airbus Military also delivered a record number of 29 aircraft (20 light and medium military and transport aircraft - C212, CN235 and C295, three P-3 conversion aircraft and 6 A330 MRTTs). 

Airbus had a record order intake of 1,608 (1,419 net) commercial aircraft, worth US$169 billion gross (US$140 billion net) at list prices. The previous record was in 2007 (1,458 gross and 1,341 net orders). In value terms, Airbus’ share of total aircraft sales (above 100 seats) in 2011, is 56 per cent gross (54 per cent net). Despite challenging markets, Airbus Military won five new orders for its light and medium aircraft (CN235 and C295). 

Net commercial orders include 19 for the A380, 52 A330/A350 XWB Family aircraft, and 1,348 A320 Family aircraft. Of these, the A320neo won 1,226 firm sales confirming its title as the “the fastest selling airliner ever”. Overall, the backlog is 4,437 aircraft valued at over US$588 billion at list prices, or equaling 7-8 years production. The military backlog stands at 222 aircraft, including 174 A400M, 22 A330 MRTT, 18 light and medium and eight P-3 conversions. 

The Airbus A320neo is a series of enhanced versions of A320 family under development by Airbus. The letters "neo" stand for "New Engine Option". The main change is the use of the larger and more efficient engines which results in 15% less fuel consumption, 8% lower operating costs, less noise production and a reduction of NOx by 50% compared to the A320 series according to Airbus. 

Customers will have a choice of either the CFM International LEAP-X or the Pratt & Whitney PW1000G. The airframe will also receive some modifications, including the addition of "Sharklet" wingtips to reduce drag and interior modifications for the passengers comfort such as larger luggage spaces and an improved air purification system. 

Airbus continues to recruit for aircraft development programs, as well as the ramp up of all aircraft families. In 2011, 4,500 new employees were hired, increasing the active workforce to 55,000, and we target more than 4,000 in 2012. "Airbus' record order intake is the result of our strategic decision for A320neo. With this innovation we established a new industry standard, appreciated by our customers and followed by the competition,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.