Airbus recorded gross commercial aircraft orders of 878 units, with net orders reaching 826 after cancellations. The total order backlog stood at 8,658 aircraft at the end of 2024.
Airbus has announced its Full-Year (FY) 2024 financial results, confirming strong performance across its business segments and issuing guidance for 2025. The Airbus financial results 2024 highlight revenue growth, increased aircraft deliveries, and a solid order backlog.
Strong Performance Amid Industry Challenges
Revenues increased by 6% year-on-year to €69.2 billion. Airbus delivered 766 commercial aircraft in 2024, up from 735 in 2023, driven by higher aircraft deliveries. Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) Adjusted, which reflects underlying profitability by excluding certain charges, stood at €5.4 billion, while reported EBIT was €5.3 billion. The company’s free cash flow before customer financing was €4.5 billion.
“We achieved strong order intake across all businesses in 2024, with a book-to-bill well above 1, confirming the solid demand for our products and services,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. “We refocused on key priorities, notably the production ramp-up and the transformation of Defence and Space.”
Order Intake and Backlog
Airbus recorded gross commercial aircraft orders of 878 units, with net orders reaching 826 after cancellations. The total order backlog stood at 8,658 aircraft at the end of 2024. Airbus Helicopters secured 450 net orders, while Airbus Defence and Space saw order intake rise to €16.7 billion. The consolidated order book value reached €629 billion, reflecting strong demand and a favorable US dollar exchange rate.
Segment Performance
- Commercial Aircraft: Revenues rose to €50.6 billion, reflecting the increase in deliveries. The A320 Family ramp-up is progressing toward a production rate of 75 per month by 2027, while A350 and A220 production face supply chain challenges.
- Helicopters: Revenues increased to €7.9 billion, supported by higher deliveries and service growth. EBIT Adjusted for the segment rose to €818 million.
- Defence and Space: Revenues grew to €12.1 billion, driven by Air Power business strength. However, EBIT Adjusted for the segment declined to €-566 million due to charges in Space programs and contract updates for the A400M military aircraft.
Profitability and Cash Flow
EBIT Adjusted for commercial aircraft rose to €5.1 billion. The company reported a net income of €4.2 billion, with earnings per share (EPS) at €5.36. Free cash flow before customer financing remained strong at €4.5 billion, supporting a proposed dividend increase.
Dividend and Expanded 2025 Outlook
Airbus proposes a 2024 dividend of €2.00 per share, up from €1.80, and a special dividend of €1.00 per share. The 2025 guidance includes:
- Around 820 commercial aircraft deliveries
- EBIT Adjusted of around €7.0 billion
- Free cash flow before customer financing of around €4.5 billion
Airbus remains focused on ramping up production, ensuring supply chain stability, and driving sustainable growth in 2025. The company assumes no major disruptions to global trade, the world economy, air traffic, or its supply chain. Additionally, Airbus expects to integrate certain Spirit AeroSystems work packages, which will have a broadly neutral impact on EBIT Adjusted but a mid triple-digit negative effect on free cash flow before customer financing. However, net cash is projected to remain stable due to compensation from Spirit AeroSystems. The Airbus financial results 2024 reinforce its commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability initiatives. The company aims to strengthen its leadership in commercial aviation, defence, and space while advancing its decarbonization efforts.
