Airbus: Orders higher in 2010 than expected; new delivery record

Published 11:18 am Thursday, December 30, 2010

Airbus saw more jet orders in 2010 than the company expected but will deliver fewer A380s than planned.

That’s according to a memo, which was obtained by Dow Jones News, to Airbus employees from company CEO Tom Enders.

Enders told employees the company took in 50 percent more jet orders in 2010 than expected.

By year’s end on Friday, Airbus also will have set a new record for the number of jets delivered in a year, according to the memo. Airbus set a new record in 2009 with 498 aircraft delivered.

However, Airbus had to cut its forecast for A380s delivered in 2010, reports Reuters. A380 deliveries are down due to engine checks required after an explosion of a Rolls-Royce engine on an A380 operated by Qantas took place in November.

Airbus will give a full report on 2010 orders and deliveries and the company’s earnings on Jan. 14.