Abstract
Airbus is one of the world's leading suppliers of commercial aircraft. This 100-seater boasts a major portion of the market share of annual deliveries worldwide. Its market share has grown from 15% in 1990 to 52% in 2003. On December 31, 2003, its backlog of orders (1,454 aircraft) stood at 52% of total worldwide backlog. After accounting for cancellations, the net order intake for 2003 was 254 aircrafts. In 2003, the Airbus division of the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS) earned revenues t the tune of 19 billion dollars, representing 61% of EADS total revenues. Based on deliveries in 2003, Airbus was the largest supplier of commercial aircraft in the world, surpassing its rival Boeing for the first time. Its journey from 1970 up to the end of December 31, 2003, has been fruitful. Airbus has received orders for 4,886 aircraft from 186 customers around the world. Several factors have contributed to the success of Airbus: its portfolio of modern aircraft, its consistent technological innovation, its stable pool of highly skilled employees and its concept of aircraft "families" that offer customers cost savings in crew training, maintenance and supply for their fleets of different sized Airbus aircraft. In addition, the Airbus management believes that the international composition of Airbus represents a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. The Airbus group is jointly owned by EADS (80%) and BAE SYSTEMS (20%). The Head of EADS Airbus Division acts as Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer, echoing the effective management control of EADS over its operations.
