Airbus is one of the world’s two leading suppliers of commercial aircraft of more than 100 seats. Its market share of annual deliveries worldwide has grown from 15% in 1990 to 57% in 2005. At 31st December 2005, its backlog of orders (2,177 aircraft) stood at 80% of total EADS worldwide backlog. After accounting for cancellations, net order intake for 2005 was 1,055 aircraft. In 2005, the Airbus Division of EADS earned revenues of €22.2 billion, representing 65% of EADS total revenues.

Based on deliveries in 2005, Airbus was the largest supplier of commercial aircraft in the world, surpassing its rival Boeing for the third year. Since it was founded in 1970 up to the end of 31st December 2005, Airbus has received orders for 6,307 aircraft from approximately 225 customers around the world.

Several factors have contributed to the success of Airbus: its portfolio of modern aircraft, its consistent technological innovation, its stable pool of highly skilled employees and its concept of aircraft ‘families’ that offer customers cost savings in crew training, maintenance and supply for their fleets of different sized Airbus aircraft. In addition, Management strongly believes that the international composition of Airbus represents a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

Airbus S.A.S. is jointly owned by EADS (80%) and BAE Systems (20%).