In My Perspective
Five reasons why 2016 will be an incredible year for Airbus in Latin America
When I take a step back and think about Latin America’s commercial aviation sector two decades ago, it was a bubble of untapped potential waiting to burst. To know that Airbus played a vital role in that growth in the last 10 years, tripling our in-service fleet while delivering more than 60 percent of all aircraft operating in the region, makes me proud and especially optimistic for the year ahead.
So in this spirit, let me tell you five reasons why I believe 2016 will be a yet another incredible year for Airbus in Latin America:
1. 2015 was a record year for Airbus, and we are not slowing down
Our recent year-end results show how Airbus had a sensational year, ending 2015 with 635 deliveries and a record-breaking backlog of 6,787 globally. In Latin America, we went above and beyond our own expectations to achieve numerous commercial successes and milestones, delivering an all-time record high of 58 aircraft, eight more than we did in 2014. With a backlog of almost 450 aircraft in the region, we will undoubtedly continue to break records in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
2. The A380 will serve the region for the first time ever
In January, Air France became the first airline to operate the A380 commercially in Latin America when they opened their Paris-Mexico City route. This aircraft couldn’t be more perfect for Mexico City’s high-traffic Benito Juarez International Airport, seeing as it provides a one-airplane solution to relieve airport and air traffic congestion, as well as environmental impact. Also, nine of the 91 aviation mega-cities* in the world will be in Latin America, including Mexico City and Cancun. But this milestone really speaks to the fast-growing air traffic market demand the region, which comes as no surprise given that in the next 20 years Latin America will require over 2,300 new aircraft, 29 of them very large aircraft like the A380.
3. TAM became the first Americas operator of the A350 XWB
In January, TAM became the first airline in the Americas to operate the all-new airliner and the fourth worldwide. The A350 XWB, the most modern aircraft in the world, brings together the very latest in aerodynamics, design and advanced technologies, providing improved efficiency for passengers and airlines alike. If you haven’t had the pleasure of flying in it, I highly recommend it. It is truly a remarkable jetliner unlike any of its kind. This year alone we will see six more A350 XWB delivered to TAM as part of the order for 27 by LATAM Airlines Group, and more than 40 more in the years to come once Synergy Aerospace and Azul receive and begin operating their A350 XWBs.
4. We will see the first A320neos delivered to airlines around the world, and in Latin America
We have just delivered the first A320neo ever produced to Lufthansa, an exciting milestone for Airbus. In 2016, we will see multiple airlines around the world receive their first A320neos-- among them, several from Latin America. The A320neo Family has 345 firm orders in the region from six airline customers, Avianca, Azul, Interjet, LATAM Airlines Group, VivaAerobus and Volaris. These airlines will soon start receiving the first of our top-selling eco-efficient aircraft, which incorporate new-generation engines and Sharklets. Together they will deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020.
5. By 2016, every Airbus aircraft family will operate in Latin America
It’s no secret that the A320 Family has become the undisputed aircraft of choice for Latin America, operated by most of our 27 operators in the region. Airlines like Aerolineas Argentinas, Avianca, Azul, and LATAM Airlines Group have long since been operators of our A330 and A340 families, and now with the A350 and A380 serving the region, we will see every Airbus family in the skies of Latin America… And for me, that is every reason to keep “looking up” in 2016.
*Cities facilitating 10,000 long-haul passengers per day