Record 2013 sets the tone for exciting 2014

Airbus made history in 2013 by achieving records in total gross orders (1619 worth nearly $241 billion) and in deliveries (626 aircraft to 93 customers). We also ended the year with the healthiest backlog ever at 5,559 aircraft totaling an impressive eight years of production.

Latin America airlines purchased 56 Airbus aircraft, with the highlight of course being VivaAerobus’ largest- order ever by single Latin American operator, turning an all-Boeing operator into an all-Airbus customer. Our market share continued to grow in the region thanks partly to securing two new Airbus operators - Aruba Airlines and South America’s Buquebus, while TAME received its first wide-body aircraft - an A330-200. A big highlight for me in 2013 was to celebrate with LATAM their 200th A320 aircraft delivery during the Paris Air Show.

So with all the good news in 2013, what can we expect in 2014? Well the year is already off to a strong start with the A350 XWB successfully conducting numerous aircraft tests in January in La Paz and Cochabamba as part of program’s flight certification process. In February, Aerolineas Argentinas ordered four new A330-200 aircraft and VivaAerobus received the first of dozens of A320s. And of course, all eyes will be on Santiago in March, as Airbus proudly participates for the 11th time in FIDAE, the region’s largest and most prestigious airshow and among the most important aviation events in the world.

I am looking forward to what is already turning out to be a successful year for Airbus in Latin America and look forward to sharing many more milestones with our loyal Noticias readers.

With more than 30 years in the aviation industry, Rafael Alonso is the President of Airbus Latin America and the Caribbean region, responsible for all Airbus commercial activities and customer relations in more than 40 countries.