Airbus delivered a total of 534 commercial aircraft to 88 customers and booked 1,419 net orders in 2011, making it the most successful year in the company’s history.

Last year also marked tenth in a row which saw a production increase at the aviation giant.

The 534 deliveries beat the previous record set in 2010 by 24 aircraft.

Deliveries include a new record for 421 single aisle aircraft (401 in 2010), 87 A330 Family (87 in 2010) and 26 A380s (18 in 2010).

December was a record month for the A380, with four deliveries in a single month.

Airbus had a record order intake of 1,608 (1,419 net) commercial aircraft, worth US$169 billion gross (US$140 billion net) at list prices.

The previous record was in 2007 (1,458 gross and 1,341 net orders).

“Airbus’ record order intake is the result of our strategic decision for A320neo,” said Tom Enders, Airbus president and chief executive (pictured).

“With this innovation we established a new industry standard, appreciated by our customers and followed by the competition.

“With a solid backlog and an excellent cash position we are well prepared for the future.

“However, the continuous ramp-up to unprecedented production rates in all programmes will demand a strong focus on the supply chain and our own delivery capabilities.

“The hiring of more than 4,000 skilled people in 2012 will further support achieving this goal.”

In value terms, Airbus’ share of total aircraft sales (above 100 seats) in 2011, is 56 per cent gross (54 per cent net).

Net commercial orders include 19 for the A380, 52 A330/A350 XWB Family aircraft, and 1,348 A320 Family aircraft. Of these, the A320neo won 1,226 firm sales confirming its title as the “the fastest selling airliner ever”.

Overall, the backlog is 4,437 aircraft valued at over US$588 billion at list prices, or equalling 7-8 years production.

Airbus continues to recruit for aircraft development programmes, as well as the ramp up of all aircraft families.

In 2011, 4,500 new employees were hired, increasing the active workforce to 55,000, and we target more than 4,000 in 2012.