Airbus Keeps 2026 Delivery Goal Amid Quality Setbacks

Airbus SE reaffirmed its 2026 aircraft delivery target of roughly 870 jets, which requires handing over more than four planes each business day for the remainder of the year. The company announced this commitment while acknowledging that quality issues on the A330neo and A321 production lines have slowed deliveries and contributed to a roughly 9% drop in third-quarter earnings.

Bloomberg

Airbus reported adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of €1.77 billion on sales of €17.47 billion for the quarter, falling short of analysts’ consensus forecast of €1.79 billion EBIT and €18.09 billion revenue. Integration of Spirit AeroSystems work packages added €112 million in costs. The firm maintained its 2026 adjusted EBIT target of about €7.5 billion and a free-cash-flow target of roughly €4.5 billion. Operating profit in the main civil-aircraft segment declined about 12% to €1.38 billion, while the defense-and-space unit posted a 19% rise to €185 million and the helicopters division fell to €205 million.

Bloomberg

CEO Guillaume Faury said the supply-chain environment has improved and that Pratt & Whitney is expected to deliver enough engines to meet the delivery goal, despite an ongoing dispute over engine supply speed. Airbus continues to face difficulties securing interior components such as seats and is “suffering” in the ramp-up of its largest jet, the A350, a situation linked to the Spirit AeroSystems acquisition.

Bloomberg

Airbus’ statement emphasized that the delivery target and 2026 financial outlook remain unchanged, citing confidence in engine supply and the ability to meet the required daily delivery rate. The company also highlighted that the €112 million integration cost is a one-time expense tied to the Spirit acquisition.

Bloomberg

• “If you’re looking for bad news, I’m sorry, I don’t have any,” — CEO Guillaume Faury

Bloomberg