Investing.com -- Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury has informed employees that the company concluded 2024 in a better state than anticipated following a profit warning issued in the summer of that year. However, the CEO also cautioned about a worsening international climate and escalating business risks.

Faury, discussing the company's performance, stated in a memo quoted by Reuters on Tuesday: "From an operational point of view, we finished the year in a better state than we feared when we changed our guidance to the financial markets" in July 2024. Airbus declined to comment on the internal communication.

Earlier this month, Airbus reported the delivery of 766 jets, narrowly missing its target of "around 770". Despite this, the company considers it a victory due to the margin of error in the language used for the target. This allowed Airbus to maintain its lead over competitor Boeing (NYSE: BA ) for the sixth consecutive year.

Faury also highlighted that Airbus Defense and Space and Airbus Helicopters had an "excellent commercial performance" in 2024. However, he emphasized the need for significant progress in the defense activities of both divisions. He also noted recent organizational changes in the Defense & Space unit, which has simplified its structure.

In a letter sent to Airbus' 150,000 employees before U.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, Faury urged the company to be prepared to respond quickly to an increasingly complex and deteriorating international environment. Faury did not specify the issues he was referring to but noted that these challenges were adding to the risks facing Airbus' operations.

Faury's comments suggest that while Airbus ended 2024 stronger than initially feared, the company is bracing for potential difficulties in the international business environment in 2025.

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