Airbus grows its market presence in the Middle East
Airbus has significantly increased its Middle East market share and is on track to further expand this presence in a region that will experience some of the strongest traffic growth worldwide during the next 15-20 years.
From a modest 10 per cent share in 1985, Airbus has grown its market penetration to 49 per cent today, according to John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers, who briefed journalists at the 2009 Dubai Airshow.
“We’re well positioned in the Middle East today, and we have the right aircraft to serve this market – including the A380 and A350,” Leahy told reporters. “I foresee Airbus surpassing the 50 per cent market share milestone between now and the next Dubai Airshow in 2011.”
Airbus has logged 869 firm aircraft sales to 31 airlines and leasing companies in the Middle East, with 258 of these jetliners delivered to date.
Leahy said Airbus foresees a demand for 1,436 new passenger and freighter aircraft in the Middle East during the next 20 years – representing a market value of some $248 billion. This is composed of 564 single-aisle aircraft in the A320 Family category, 668 twin-aisle aircraft in the category of Airbus’ A330, A340 and A350 XWB, and 204 very large aircraft in the A380 category.
“The Middle East is literally in the centre of the world geographically, demographically and in terms of wealth distribution – all of which are drivers for airline traffic growth,” he explained. “Other drivers include a youthful population, continued dynamic growth in the region’s business and tourism sectors, along with the desire and ability to efficiently link current and future mega-cities.”
Airbus anticipates a Middle East air traffic growth of 7.2 per cent in the 2010-2015 timeframe, which is exceeded only by China (10.2 per cent) and India (8.8 per cent).
