2016 wrap-up: Airbus most valuable moments in Latin America

2016 was a year that surpassed expectations for Airbus. With 688 aircraft delivered, Airbus established a new delivery record for the 14th year in a row. In parallel, Airbus booked over 730 new orders, feeding into a healthy existing backlog of over 6,800 aircraft.

Aside from the massive number of orders and deliveries in 2016, Airbus also achieved many impressive “first”, extending across product lines and continents. Among them, the delivery of the 10,000th aircraft (an A350 XWB), the first A320neo deliveries and the first US-assembled aircraft delivered from Mobile Alabama. Also, remaining true to the integrity of transforming passenger experience, 2016 served as a launchpad for the Airspace by Airbus cabin brand and passenger experience as well as the iFlyA380 online tool, which enables passengers to book flights on the world’s favorite aircraft.

Such ambitious targets were also met for Airbus in Latin America last year, starting with the introduction of the A350 XWB in the Americas with LATAM and soon after the A380 began serving the region regularly for the first time with Air France’s route between Mexico City and Paris. In the spring, the A350 XWB was showcased at FIDAE, Latin America’s iconic air show, but not before it stopped in Buenos Aires, landing on Argentine soil for the first time.

As 2016 progressed, the A320neo started flying across Latin America’s skies with top airlines such as LATAM (receiving the first A320neo in the Americas), Volaris (the first in North America), Viva Aerobus, Avianca Brasil and Azul.

Airbus market share expanded when Synergy Aerospace Group signed a purchase agreement for 62 A320neo aircraft. The milestone order marked more than 1,000 Airbus aircraft sold in Latin America and over 400 firm orders for the aircraft in the region, confirming that the A320neo is the aircraft of choice for the region’s legacy and LCC carriers alike.

Finally, the year couldn’t come to close without two more milestones: the opening of its Mexico and Brazil training centers. Airbus success in Latin America last year underscored that the demand for Airbus aircraft remains strong and there is a lot more in store for 2017. 

Lindsy Caballero
Communication Specialist - Airbus Latin America & Caribbean
lindsy.caballero@airbus.com

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