Airbus Revises A320neo Production Target Due to P&W Engine Issues
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Airbus has delayed its A320neo production target to 70-75 aircraft per month by late 2027, citing ongoing engine shortages from Pratt & Whitney.
Key Takeaways
- •Delays A320neo production target to 70-75 aircraft per month by late 2027.
- •Cites persistent engine shortages from Pratt & Whitney's GTF program.
- •Projects 870 total commercial aircraft deliveries in 2026 despite constraints.
- •Initiates contractual process against engine supplier over delivery shortfalls.
Airbus has formally revised its production timeline for the A320neo family of aircraft, citing persistent engine shortages from supplier Pratt & Whitney. The European manufacturer now aims to reach a production rate of 70 to 75 aircraft per month by the end of 2027, a delay from its previous goal of hitting the 75-per-month mark during 2027. The adjustment underscores ongoing fragility within the global aerospace supply chain.
The revised guidance directly impacts the delivery schedules for hundreds of airlines awaiting the fuel-efficient Airbus A320 New Engine Option (A320neo) aircraft. This slowdown in the production ramp-up highlights the significant operational and financial challenges faced by engine manufacturers as they struggle to balance new engine production with extensive maintenance demands for the in-service fleet. For Airbus, the inability to accelerate production of its most popular aircraft family represents a significant constraint on its revenue and market share growth.
Production Target Adjustment
According to the company's full-year 2025 financial results, the previous target was to achieve a steady rate of 75 aircraft per month in 2027. The new guidance introduces a range of 70 to 75 aircraft per month, with the full rate of 75 now expected to be stabilized after 2027. The decision reflects a pragmatic approach to the ongoing supply constraints, particularly from Pratt & Whitney (P&W), a division of RTX Corporation (RTX).
Despite the A320neo production challenges, Airbus delivered a total of 793 commercial aircraft in 2025. For 2026, the company is providing guidance for approximately 870 commercial aircraft deliveries. This forecast indicates that while the peak production rate for the A320neo is delayed, overall output continues to increase as the industry recovers. The full details of the company's performance and outlook were published in its official financial disclosures.
Pratt & Whitney Engine Issues
The primary cause of the production slowdown is the continued disruption related to P&W's Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines. These engines, which power approximately 40% of the global A320neo fleet, have been plagued by durability issues and a significant manufacturing defect. In 2023, RTX Corporation disclosed a rare powder-metal defect in high-pressure turbine disks, necessitating a widespread inspection and repair program.
This has led to a significant number of Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situations globally. Data from Cirium indicated that as of late 2025, approximately one-third of the global fleet of aircraft powered by GTF engines were grounded or in storage. The required shop visits for inspections and component replacements have extended from an initial estimate of 60 days to over 300 days, creating a massive backlog and diverting resources from new engine production to support the in-service fleet.
Industry Impact and Contractual Response
The situation has created considerable tension between Airbus and its supplier. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury expressed his frustration during the earnings call. "In 2026, we see shortages of engines from Pratt & Whitney, not matching our needs nor our orders that will limit our aircraft deliveries, and this is really disappointing," Faury stated. He described the situation as "very painful and unsatisfactory," confirming that Airbus would have to "bite the bullet" in 2026.
In response to the persistent shortfalls, Airbus has initiated a formal contractual process against the engine maker. Faury confirmed that Airbus will "enforce our contractual rights" to address the delivery failures. This move signals the severity of the impact on Airbus's operations and its relationship with a key supplier. The broader trend of supply chain disruption continues to be a primary constraint on both Airbus and its competitor Boeing, with engine availability, raw materials, and skilled labor shortages hindering the industry's ability to meet resurgent airline demand.
Why This Matters
This production delay is more than a revised forecast; it is a clear indicator of the deep-seated vulnerabilities in the post-pandemic aerospace supply chain. For airlines, it means extended waiting periods for new-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft, which can disrupt fleet renewal strategies and growth plans. The situation also places intense scrutiny on engine manufacturers' capacity to innovate and produce at scale, highlighting the critical interdependence between airframers and their tier-one suppliers.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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