Airbus deliveries surge in March, sending shares higher

Both Airbus and Boeing have had to cut production and lay off thousands of people as the pandemic hit air travel, with Boeing also emerging from a safety crisis over its 737 MAX.(File pic shows an Airbus A330neo)

PARIS: A rebound in air travel in China and the United States helped to drive a surge in March deliveries for Airbus, sending the plane maker’s shares higher. Airbus reported slightly higher deliveries for the first quarter and posted 39 gross orders, including a new deal for 20 A220s to an unidentified buyer.

But the company’s net orders – which are adjusted for cancellations – remained in negative territory for the first quarter, with a total of minus 61 net orders dominated by a Norwegian cancellation unveiled in the previous month.