Airbus foresees demand for 400 new aircraft in Spain by 2030

Airbus Global Market Forecast underlines Spain's position in world's aviation market

2012 PRESS RELEASE

According to Airbus´ forecast, air traffic in Spain will almost double by 2030.  Spanish airlines' will need some 400 new passenger aircraft over the next 20 years. The total market value for the renewal and eco-efficient expansion of the Spanish passenger aircraft fleet is estimated at US$45 billion. The drive for these additional aircraft comes from the need to replace less efficient aircraft with more eco-efficient jets and from the growth in domestic and international air travel demand. The Airbus forecast reinforces Spain's position in the global aviation market.

The region's passenger aircraft fleet of above 100 seats will have increased by 81%, from around 244 aircraft in 2010 to a total of 441 aircraft in 2030. Of today's fleet 203 aircraft will be replaced with more eco-efficient types and 197 aircraft, nearly one half of the new aircraft demand, will be for growth to, from and within the Spanish market.

More than three quarters (317) of the 400 new aircraft will be for the single-aisle segment, covered by aircraft such as Airbus' benchmark fuel efficient A320 family, 58 will be twin-aisles, seating from 250 to 400 passengers, a segment which today includes Airbus' A330/A340 family and, from 2014, will also include the A350XWB family. 25 will be in the very large aircraft segment (VLA).

"Having a strong and vibrant aviation sector will make a real contribution to the short, medium and long term health of the Spanish economy, providing a real contribution to GDP, jobs and attractiveness for investment through international connectivity," said Rafael Alonso, Airbus' Executive Vice President, Customer Affairs. "Spain is a preferred destination for many international air travelers and as well one of the main hubs that connect Europe with Latin America. Low cost carriers will also play an important role in increasing passenger traffic in Spain."

Airbus has a long history with Spain's aeronautical industry. Airbus' operations in Spain are an important contributor to all Airbus aircraft programmes. This participation is of mutual benefit, both for Airbus and Spain's economy. In terms of employment, at the end of 2011, Airbus Operations Spain and Airbus Military had together a workforce of some 7,500 employees. In 2012, they expect to hire about 400 new people, part of the overall new recruitment of more than 4,000 for 2012 announced by Airbus recently. About 1,000 Spanish companies are directly or indirectly suppliers to Airbus.