Airbus receives various changes to orders

Airbus’ 2018 results have disclosed various changes to their backlog, with airlines adjusting, cancelling or announcing orders. The following are the airlines identified under these changes:

Unidentified/Hong Kong Airlines A380 cancellation

A large discovery, however and expected one, was the removal of 10 A380s from the backlog which came from an undisclosed customer in 2014. Although ordered by Hong Kong Airlines in 2011, the customer was removed from the order in 2014. The removal of this order now leaves Airbus with 87 aircraft in the backlog, of which, 53 are destined for Emirates. 12 aircraft were delivered to airlines in 2017, however 2018 will see production dip to just eight aircraft.

LATAM A350-1000 conversion

Sticking on the line of widebody aircraft, LATAM Airlines Group has converted an additional four A350-1000s to the smaller A350-900, leaving the airline with only eight on order. This conversion alone is a continuation of their existing conversions to the A350-900 after initially converting the smaller variant to the A350-1000 until 14 were on order.

Air Cote d’lvoire A320neo conversion

Air Cote d’lvoire, which commenced operations in 2012, holds a fleet of all-Airbus jets as well as four Bombardier Q400s. 2016 saw the airline order two A320neo aircraft, however it’s been unveiled in Airbus’ backlog that the airline has converted these aircraft to the smaller A319neo, giving the aircraft a minuscule boost. 55 A319neos are now on order by airlines, with the CFM LEAP powered variant recently securing certification.

Etihad A320neo cancellation

As part of restructuring plans, Etihad has cancelled part of their order for Airbus aircraft. Of the A350s, A321neos and A320neos on order, Etihad elected to cancel all 10 A320neos on order.

Ordered in 2013 as part of a large Airbus order, Etihad is now left with 26 A321neos, 22 A350-1000s and 40 A350-900s on order. Speculation as to whether the airline would keep their A350s has floated around the aviation community, however their first aircraft, MSN 290, is already in final production. Until an announcement is made by the airline or Airbus, the order is still in place.

Additionally, the airline is also in talks with Boeing for their side of the order, which consists of the 777X and 787.

Middle East Airlines A330neo order

Originally noted towards the end of 2018, it’s now been confirmed that Middle East Airlines has placed an order for four A330-900s. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the order also includes a deal with Rolls-Royce for a long-term maintenance agreement.

Deliveries will commence in 2021 and will replace existing A330ceo (current engine option) aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines.

Overall, Airbus has orders for 230 A330-900s – a decrease by four frames. The smaller A330-800 is still struggling with only eight on order. Despite this, Airbus remains confident the A330neo will be a successful aircraft and states the replacement cycle for existing A330s hasn’t kicked in.

December Rush

December is the busiest year for manufacturers as they all scramble to meet their yearly delivery targets. After suffering from production delays and a lack of orders compared to Boeing, Airbus went into overdrive and secured nearly 400 orders for the backlog in December alone, bringing things closer to the competition.

The following list breaks the orders down: