Paris, September 10 - Airbus, the European aerospace giant, remains confident in achieving its ambitious 2025 delivery target of 820 commercial aircraft, despite ongoing challenges with engine supply delays, according to CEO Guillaume Faury. Speaking to reporters, Faury acknowledged the persistent bottlenecks in engine production but emphasized that the situation has shown signs of improvement. The company has faced significant hurdles, with approximately 60 completed airframes, referred to as "gliders" in industry parlance, awaiting engines before they can be delivered to airlines. These delays primarily stem from CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran, which supplies over half of the engines for Airbus’s bestselling A320neo family. Despite a 5% drop in deliveries during the first half of 2025, Airbus is maintaining its production pace for narrow-body jets at near pre-COVID levels to stabilize its supply chain and meet global demand for fuel-efficient aircraft. Faury’s optimism is bolstered by commitments from engine suppliers to ramp up deliveries, ensuring Airbus can meet its year-end goals.
.gif)
The engine supply constraints have created a challenging environment for Airbus, particularly with CFM engines for single-aisle jets and, to a lesser extent, Pratt & Whitney engines following recent disruptions. These delays have led to increased inventory, with Airbus reporting an unexpected €1 billion cash burn in the second quarter of 2025. However, the company has managed to maintain its full-year financial guidance, supported by a robust second-quarter performance. Airbus reported an adjusted operating profit of €1.58 billion, nearly double the previous year’s figure, driven by strong contributions from its Defense and Space and Helicopters divisions. This financial resilience has allowed Airbus to navigate the supply chain volatility while continuing to produce aircraft at a steady rate. Faury noted that the delivery schedule may be back-loaded, meaning a significant portion of the 820 aircraft deliveries will likely occur in the latter half of 2025, requiring a concerted effort from suppliers to meet the target.
To address rising demand for wide-body aircraft, Airbus has announced plans to increase A330neo production from four to five jets per month by 2029, a strategic move to capitalize on the growing market for long-haul travel. This decision comes as the company maintains its other production targets, including a goal to assemble 75 A320neo-family jets per month by 2027. Airbus’s ability to scale production while managing supply chain challenges highlights its operational strength and adaptability. The company’s focus on maintaining production rates close to pre-pandemic levels underscores its commitment to avoiding further disruptions in the aerospace supply chain. Additionally, Airbus has benefited from a recent EU-US trade agreement exempting aircraft and parts from tariffs, which Faury described as a positive step for the industry. This agreement could facilitate smoother operations and reduce costs, further supporting Airbus’s delivery ambitions.
Despite the complexities posed by engine delays, Airbus’s strategic approach and supplier commitments position it well to achieve its 2025 delivery target. The company’s ability to balance production goals with financial performance demonstrates its resilience in a competitive aviation market. As Airbus continues to navigate these challenges, its focus on innovation, supply chain stability, and meeting customer demand for efficient aircraft will be critical. With engine suppliers gradually improving delivery paces and Airbus’s production lines operating at a steady clip, the company is poised to deliver on its promise of 820 aircraft in 2025, reinforcing its leadership in the global aerospace industry.