Airbus shares fall despite record deliveries and strong orders in 2017

Airbus shares were trading lower, Monday, despite the news that the plane maker had delivered the most planes on record and also pulled in more new orders than its rival Boeing.

By 1125 BST, Airbus shares were trading 0.55% lower at €89.90. Despite the decline, the Airbus stock price remains above the level is began 2018, of €82.75.

Airbus sets new record for customer deliveries

Airbus announced earlier Monday that it had delivered 718 commercial aircraft, to 85 different customers, in 2017. That was 4% above its previous record of 688 set in 2016. The deliveries comprised:

• 558 single aisle A320 Family.
• 78 A350 XWBs.
• 67 A330s.
• 15 A380s.

Airbus also detailed that the total number of planes ordered from the plane maker in 2017, hit 1,109 from 44 different customers. That was higher than the 912 orders Boeing took during the same period.

“A new Airbus delivery record coupled with our fifth best order intake wraps up a remarkable year for us,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus Chief Operating Officer and President Commercial Aircraft.

“This outstanding achievement is testimony to the dedication of all our teams, and makes the company fitter, stronger and ready for the opportunities ahead,” Brégier added.

Boeing retains world’s largest jet maker crown

While Airbus may have won the new orders race last year, Boeing manufactured and delivered more aircraft than the European plane maker.

Boeing said last week it had delivered 763 completed commercial aircrafts. The business said not only was that a new industry record, but it was the sixth consecutive year which Boeing has delivered the most planes over a calendar year.

“The record-setting performance is a testament to our employees and supplier partners who continue to innovate new ways to design, build and deliver the most fuel-efficient airplanes to customers around the world,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Kevin McAllister.

The 912 orders Boeing secured in 2017, meanwhile, came from 71 different customers.