Airbus Delivers 71 Aircraft in March; EASA Approves A330neo Performance Package

Airbus Reports Strong March Deliveries and Secures EASA Approval for A330neo Upgrade

Airbus concluded March with the delivery of 71 aircraft, contributing to a first-quarter total of 136 units—surpassing Boeing’s Q1 deliveries by six aircraft. Alongside this operational milestone, Airbus announced that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has granted certification for a new performance enhancement package for the A330-900, aimed at improving the aircraft’s efficiency and payload capabilities.

March Deliveries and Order Activity

During March, Airbus delivered a diverse mix of aircraft across its portfolio. The monthly tally included one A220-100, nine A220-300s, a single A319neo, 18 A320neos, 34 A321neos—including an A321XLR delivered to Iberia—two A330-900s, and six A350-900s. The quarter also saw notable handovers such as an A220-100 to ITA Airways and an A350-1000 to Japan Airlines, underscoring Airbus’s continued engagement with key global carriers.

Order intake remained robust, with Airbus securing 211 gross orders in March. Significant contracts were signed with leasing companies Jackson Square Aviation and BOC Aviation, collectively ordering 120 aircraft from the A320neo family. EVA Air confirmed orders for three A321neos and six A350-1000s, while an undisclosed customer placed a mixed order including A320neo, A321neo, A350-900, and A350-1000 models. After accounting for 72 cancellations of A320neo aircraft, net orders for the month stood at 139. By the end of March, total cancellations for the year reached 76 aircraft.

Market Competition and Outlook

Boeing, Airbus’s principal competitor, reported 130 deliveries in the first quarter, predominantly comprising 105 737 MAX jets. Boeing’s gross orders for 2025 have reached 241, with 192 placed in March alone. Major customers included BOC Aviation, FedEx Express, Japan Airlines, and Korean Air. Boeing’s March orders featured a mix of 88 737 MAXs, 11 777 freighters, 40 777Xs, and 53 787s.

Despite the close competition, Airbus remains committed to its 2025 delivery target of approximately 820 commercial aircraft, building on the 766 units delivered in 2024.

EASA Certification of A330neo Performance Package

On April 9, Airbus announced that EASA had approved the ‘Step-4’ performance package for the A330-900. This upgrade introduces enhanced takeoff configurations, including additional flap settings, accelerated landing gear retraction, and optimized engine thrust parameters. These improvements are designed to reduce runway length requirements and improve fuel efficiency, directly addressing airline demands for greater operational flexibility and sustainability.

Scheduled for availability from the second quarter of 2026, the enhanced package is expected to increase the A330neo’s operational appeal by enabling airlines to carry higher payloads on demanding routes while improving overall efficiency. Industry analysts suggest that this development may prompt competitors to introduce similar enhancements, potentially driving further improvements in operational performance and influencing market pricing.

Airbus’s latest certification highlights its ongoing commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, aligning with the aviation sector’s pursuit of cost-effective and sustainable long-haul solutions.