Airbus 50th years anniversary formation flight - Air to air

Connecting today and tomorrow

OUR MISSION

For over a century, aviation has opened up the world, developed global connectivity, trade, travel, and fundamentally, brought people together. Airbus designs, builds and supports commercial aircraft that make these connections possible.

Guided by our purpose, Pioneering sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world, our ambition is to preserve these essential connections for future generations. Our decarbonisation roadmap is how we'll do it. By accelerating innovation in new technologies, scaling up sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and improving operational efficiency, we are working with our partners to ensure aviation continues to connect the world.

Commercial aircraft products and services

Airbus offers a comprehensive portfolio, from efficient passenger aircraft to versatile cargo airplanes (freighters) and global support services.

Key figures

GLOBAL IMPACT AT A GLANCE

  • 13,000+

    Airbus aircraft in service across every continent

  • 400+

    operators in over 190 countries

  • Hundreds

    of new aircraft delivered annually

Airbus orders and deliveries

GMF Airbus global market forecast 2025
GMF Airbus global market forecast 2025
GMF Airbus global market forecast 2025

Preparing for tomorrow's skies

OUR AMBITION

Airbus is shaping the future of aviation by combining long-term vision with immediate action. 

Our Global Market Forecast (GMF) highlights two key imperatives: resilient air travel growth and the urgent need for more efficient fleets worldwide. Responding to this strong global demand, Airbus is expanding its operations across continents while also accelerating the industry's transition towards decarbonisation.

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1973: An odyssey across South and North America
a300bAirbus-LatAm-history-A300B-tour1.jpg
1973: An odyssey across South and North America

Joining forces

Our history

Airbus was founded through the industrial cooperation of four European nations (France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom). This model, rooted in the expertise and know-how of Europe's best aerospace minds, was born from a pioneering spirit and a unique culture of collaboration and diversity.

Our story officially took flight when the first Airbus aircraft, the A300B1, took to the skies on 28 October, 1972. Since that moment, we have dedicated ourselves to setting standards in efficiency, safety, and innovation.

We carry this heritage with us, leveraging our deep experience to play our part in shaping the future of aviation. 

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Beluga Sustainability Fuel
Beluga Sustainability Fuel
Beluga Sustainability Fuel

Advancing decarbonisation

OUR COMMITMENT

Sustainability is at the heart of the Airbus purpose. We are supporting the industry’s transition towards decarbonised aviation by investigating multiple levers. 

Airbus’ aim is that advancements in these key areas will drive progress towards meeting the aviation industry’s long-term aspirational goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as set by ATAG, IATA and ICAO. 

Learn more about sustainability at Airbus Download the Pioneering sustainable aerospace publication
Airbus Summit - European Innovation

Innovation: bring the vision to reality

Our enabler

Innovation is the enabler that allows Airbus to work towards transforming its vision for sustainable aerospace into a tangible reality. We approach the challenge of decarbonising aviation with rigor and curiosity, understanding that achieving this goal requires developing solutions that are both immediate and revolutionary.

This process involves continuous scientific investigation, flight demonstrators, and crucial partnerships with stakeholders. Innovation is the underlying force that drives all of our strategic efforts, ensuring we can deliver increasingly efficient aircraft today, while building the platforms for the decades ahead.

Through this sustained and collaborative drive, we are focused on turning ambitious goals into concrete progress.

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  • From engineering and digital innovation to manufacturing and customer support, careers at Airbus offer a lot of opportunities.

Airbus Commercial Aircraft FAQs

What is a commercial aircraft?

A commercial aircraft is an airplane designed to carry passengers or cargo for airlines and operators. Airbus builds a full range of passenger aircraft and cargo airplanes that connect people and economies worldwide.

What are the different types of commercial aircraft?

Commercial aircraft come in several types, including single-aisle (narrowbody) aircraft for short- to medium-haul flights, and widebody aircraft for long-haul routes. In addition to passenger models, there are also dedicated freighters, which are designed to carry cargo efficiently across global networks.

Airbus offers one of the most complete product families in aviation, from single-aisle jets and widebodies to versatile freighters, covering every market segment.

How fast do commercial planes fly?

Most commercial aircraft cruise at around 850 km/h (530 mph) at cruising altitude. Airbus aircraft are designed for efficiency, safety and passenger comfort at these speeds.

What is the largest commercial aircraft in the world?

The largest commercial passenger aircraft ever built is the Airbus A380, which can carry more than 850 passengers in an all-economy configuration. The A380 is an icon of global aviation and a symbol of Airbus innovation.

How many commercial aircraft does Airbus deliver each year?

Airbus delivers hundreds of aircraft annually, across its passenger and freighter families. For the latest figures, see our monthly Orders & Deliveries report.

Does Airbus make cargo and freight aircraft?

Yes. Airbus builds dedicated freighter aircraft, such as the A350F, and also offers passenger-to-freighter conversions (P2F) to extend the life of aircraft and support the growing air cargo market.

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