Airbus sets record with 2016 commercial aircraft deliveries

Airbus delivered a record of 688 commercial aircraft in 2016 on the back of strong operational performance and a robust market, the airline manufacturer said on Wednesday.
The delivery was eight per cent higher than the previous 2015 record of 635 aircraft and represents the 14th year in a row of increased delivery numbers.
With the year’s tally, Airbus outperformed its initially 2016 forecast of 670 deliveries.
The machines were delivered to 82 customers, the company said.
Orders of the Toulouse-based aircraft manufacturer outstripped its main rival U.S. Company Boeing, by 63 with a total of 731 orders in 2016.
Nevertheless, Boeing’s delivery rate outpaced Airbus’, with 748 aircraft.
Airbus president Fabrice Bergier said the company was looking to boost deliveries and increasing digital strategies in the coming year.
“We delivered on our objectives in a challenging environment, proving our ramp-up readiness for the future,’’ Bergier said.