Airbus Faces Challenges Amid Ambitious Delivery Goals for 2026

Airbus SE has set an ambitious target to deliver approximately 870 commercial aircraft in 2026, aiming to surpass its previous record of 863 jets delivered in 2019. This goal comes after a challenging period marked by production issues and supply chain disruptions. In 2025, Airbus delivered 793 aircraft, slightly exceeding its revised target of 790, which had been adjusted due to quality issues with fuselage panels affecting the A320 family of jets.

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A significant factor hindering Airbus's production capabilities is the shortage of reliable engines, particularly from Pratt & Whitney, which has affected the A320 family. CEO Guillaume Faury indicated that the company is facing a "significant" shortage of engines, which has forced Airbus to lower its production expectations for the A320 from a previously targeted higher rate. The company plans to stabilize A320 production at 75 units per month after 2027, with a gradual ramp-up expected in the coming years.

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While Airbus aims for record deliveries, its U.S. rival Boeing is showing signs of recovery after years of crisis, particularly with its 737 Max aircraft. Boeing delivered 46 aircraft in January 2026 and secured 103 net orders, outperforming Airbus, which reported only 19 deliveries and 49 net orders during the same period. Analysts suggest that Boeing's resurgence could shift market dynamics, especially as Airbus grapples with its own production challenges.

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Despite the production hurdles, Airbus reported a 5% increase in revenue to €25.98 billion for the fourth quarter, with adjusted earnings before interest and taxes reaching €2.98 billion. However, the sentiment around Airbus has become more cautious, with analysts noting that January's delivery figures were notably weak compared to previous years. UBS analysts remarked that the 19 deliveries in January 2026 were "materially weaker than expected," indicating potential challenges ahead for the year.

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Critics have pointed to the ongoing engine supply issues as a critical bottleneck for Airbus, with some analysts expressing skepticism about the company's ability to meet its ambitious delivery targets. The production of the smaller A220 model is also lagging, with a revised target of reaching 13 units per month only by 2028. This slow ramp-up raises concerns about Airbus's overall production capabilities in the face of increasing demand.

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• “Pratt & Whitney’s failure to commit to the number of engines ordered by Airbus is negatively impacting this year’s guidance and the ramp-up trajectory,” — Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus

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• “While January deliveries in any given year is not historically a good indicator of production rates for the year, we view 19 deliveries in Jan-26 as materially weaker than expected vs 25 delivered in Jan-25,” — UBS Analyst

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As Airbus strives to achieve record deliveries in 2026, it faces significant challenges, including engine supply shortages and increased competition from Boeing. The company's ability to navigate these issues will be crucial in determining its success in the coming year.

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