Airbus still has to deliver almost 100 jets in December

Hurry Up, Airbus! Over 90 Jets to Deliver Before Year's End

Airbus, the world's largest aircraft manufacturer, is pushing to get over 90 jets out the door and delivered to their buyers before the year ends. With only December left, the company is aiming to reach its annual target of 720 aircraft deliveries. In November, Airbus handed over 64 aircraft to customers, seven fewer than in October. So far, the company has delivered a total of 623 aircraft in the first eleven months of the year.

Despite the challenges, Airbus continues to receive new orders. In November, the company secured orders for 113 aircraft but also had to accept 52 cancellations. Airbus's aircraft construction activities primarily take place in France, but the company also has significant operations in Germany and Spain. This end-of-year surge in activity is not exclusive to Airbus; its competitor, Boeing, also experiences similar activity around the year-end.

Airbus's Delivery Challenges and Strategies

Airbus is currently grappling with several challenges that are affecting its ability to meet its annual jet delivery targets.

1. Engine Shortage: Airbus is facing engine supply-chain issues for its A320neo family, specifically with Pratt & Whitney and CFM International. The geared-turbofan metal powder issue at Pratt & Whitney and CFM International's production issues are contributing to the shortages. The company is dealing with "gliders," aircraft that have been assembled but are awaiting engine delivery, which is affecting delivery numbers.
2. A350 Production Issues: Supply chain challenges, particularly with Spirit AeroSystems, are hampering the production ramp-up of the A350 family. Airbus aims to reach a monthly production rate of 12 aircraft by 2028, but the current bottlenecks are capping production at six jets per month. The introduction of the A350 freighter (A350F) has also been delayed by up to a year due to these supply chain challenges.
3. Increased Demand: Despite the challenges, Airbus is ramping up production for the A320neo family, aiming for an estimated production rate of 50 aircraft per month by 2027 and 75 per month by 2028. The A220 program is also seeing increased production aims to reach 14 aircraft per month by 2026.

Airbus is addressing these challenges through several strategies, including supplier support, production rate adjustments, and long-term planning. The company is aiming to meet its annual jet delivery targets despite the current supply chain bottlenecks and increased demand.