Airbus wins commitments worth US$12.9 billion at Paris Air Show

Airbus announced commitments during the 2009 Paris Air Show for 127 aircraft, valued at some US$12.9 billion. These commitments include firm orders for 58 aircraft worth almost US$6.4 billion, plus 'Memoranda of Understanding' (MoU) agreements for a further 69 aircraft totalling US$6.5 billion.

Firm Orders: 58 aircraft worth US$6.4 billion

The firm-order highlights of the show were three large orders from carriers in the Middle East and Asia. Qatar Airways placed an order for 24 single-aisle aircraft valued at US$1.9 billion, comprising the purchase of 20 A320s and four A321 aircraft. Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines signed a US$1.4 billion firm order for 16 A321s. In addition, Air Asia X expressed confidence in Airbus' newest aircraft product with a firm order for 10 A350-900s valued at US$2.4 billion.

Other firm airliner orders made during the show include: Cebu Pacific, which ordered five A320s; Aigle Azur for one A319; and Zest Air of the Philippines which became a new Airbus customer with an order for one A320. It is also worth mentioning an order for one Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) A320 Prestige from a private customer.

MoUs: 69 aircraft worth US$6.5 billion

Moreover, as a further indication of the industry's forward planning at the show, Airbus received MoU commitments for a further 69 aircraft. These MoUs comprised: 50 A320s for Wizz Air worth US$3.8 billion; 10 A321s for Indian based Paramount Airways worth US$900 million; two A330-200s plus five A330-300s for Turkish Airlines together worth US$1.4 billion; and two A350-900s for Vietnam Airlines worth US$480 million.

John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers commented: "Airbus' commercial performance shows that the airline industry continues to invest in the most fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly aircraft. Our customers are addressing both the long-term industry growth as well as the necessary replacement of older less efficient aircraft."

Airbus' success is founded on innovative design, which has given it the world's most modern aircraft family in every category from 100 to 525 seats. Airbus is also unique in offering airlines a common cockpit in every single passenger aircraft that it produces today, which makes it easier and quicker for pilots to switch between aircraft types during their career – while saving airlines time and money.