European planemaker Airbus has reported record-breaking success in 2023, securing 2,094 net plane orders, surpassing its previous record from 2013. Despite supply chain problems, the company delivered 735 jets to clients last year, beating its own target of 720 deliveries. Major contracts were secured with airlines such as India's low-cost IndiGo, which ordered 500 A320s, the largest civil aviation order in history, as well as Air India and Turkish Airlines.

Airbus' commercial chief, Christian Scherer, expressed surprise at the quick recovery of the aviation industry following the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that both single-aisle and widebody markets have returned sooner than expected. The company's overall order backlog stands at 8,598 aircraft at the end of last year, showcasing the strong momentum in travel and aviation. Looking toward the future, Airbus has begun developing a successor to its popular A320 family and aims to launch a hydrogen-powered plane that emits no CO2 by 2035.

This ambitious goal aligns with the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation. Airbus' performance has outstripped that of its US rival Boeing, which also saw a rise in net orders last year, mainly for the 737 MAX and long-haul 787s, but continues to face scrutiny after a recent incident on an Alaska Airlines jet. Airbus' success in securing record-breaking orders and its focus on sustainability positions the company as a leader in the global aviation industry.