Airbus Targets 870 Aircraft Deliveries in 2026 Amid Supply Chain Woes
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Airbus targets around 870 aircraft deliveries in 2026, a modest increase from 2025, as ongoing supply chain issues continue to constrain production rates.
Key Takeaways
- •Targets delivery of around 870 commercial aircraft in 2026, up from 793 in 2025.
- •Cites significant Pratt & Whitney GTF engine shortages as a key production constraint.
- •Faces tightening competition from Boeing, which aims to deliver around 500 737s.
- •Maintains a record backlog of 8,754 commercial aircraft at the end of 2025.
Airbus has set a target to deliver approximately 870 commercial aircraft in 2026, a figure that reflects continued production ramp-up challenges amid persistent supply chain disruptions. The guidance, released with the company's full-year 2025 financial results, comes as the European Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) navigates intense airline demand against the backdrop of a fragile global parts and labor market, particularly concerning engines.
The 2026 target represents a notable, though perhaps more conservative than anticipated, increase over the 793 commercial aircraft Airbus delivered in 2025. This cautious outlook underscores the operational difficulties facing the entire aerospace sector. For airlines, the constrained production rates from both Airbus and its rival Boeing mean longer waits for new, fuel-efficient aircraft, potentially delaying fleet renewal plans and growth strategies.
Financial Performance and Production Headwinds
Airbus reported strong financial results for 2025, with consolidated revenues reaching €73.4 billion. The company is targeting an EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) Adjusted of around €7.5 billion for 2026. Despite the positive financial performance, CEO Guillaume Faury directly addressed the production constraints.
“2025 was a landmark year, characterised by very strong demand for our products and services across all businesses, a record financial performance, and strategic milestones,” said Faury. “Global demand for commercial aircraft underpins our ongoing production ramp-up, which we are managing while facing significant Pratt & Whitney engine shortages.”
The shortage of Pratt & Whitney’s GTF (Geared Turbofan) engines has been a significant bottleneck, impacting the A320neo family Final Assembly Lines (FAL). These supply chain issues are a primary factor limiting a more aggressive increase in aircraft production rates, even as Airbus holds a record order backlog of 8,754 commercial aircraft as of the end of 2025, according to company data.
The Competitive Landscape
The challenges at Airbus are mirrored at its primary competitor, Boeing. The US-based manufacturer is also contending with its own set of supply chain and production quality issues. For 2026, Boeing plans to deliver approximately 500 of its 737 family jets and between 90-100 787 Dreamliners, according to industry reports. While both giants of commercial aircraft manufacturing face similar headwinds, the competition remains fierce, focusing on which OEM can more effectively stabilize its production environment to meet unprecedented airline demand.
Pushing the Envelope with Ultra-Long-Haul
While managing volume production challenges, Airbus continues to innovate with specialized variants for niche markets. A key example is the Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range), specially configured for Qantas' ambitious 'Project Sunrise'. These flights will connect Australia's east coast directly with New York and London, creating the world's longest commercial routes.
The A350-1000ULR is engineered with an additional 20,000-litre rear center fuel tank to achieve the required range for flights lasting up to 22 hours. Qantas anticipates these non-stop services will cut travel time by up to four hours compared to current one-stop itineraries. This development highlights a key industry trend where airlines are leveraging advanced aircraft technology to offer premium non-stop services on ultra-long-haul routes, bypassing traditional hub airports.
What Comes Next
The primary focus for Airbus throughout 2026 will be stabilizing its supply chain and incrementally increasing output at its FALs worldwide. The company's ability to meet its 870-aircraft target will be a key indicator of the health of the broader aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. For airlines and travelers, the successful launch of Project Sunrise, expected in the coming years, will mark a new frontier in long-haul travel, made possible by aircraft like the A350-1000ULR.
More details on the company's performance and outlook are available in its official financial releases, which can be found on the Airbus investor relations website.
Why This Matters
In my view, the specific delivery number for 2026 is less significant than the reason behind it. This guidance confirms that the aerospace supply chain remains the primary governor on growth, not airline demand. It signals to the industry that production fragility will define the market for the next 24-36 months, creating a challenging environment for airlines desperately seeking new capacity. The real story here is the ongoing struggle to translate record-breaking order backlogs into actual deliveries, a challenge that will dictate the competitive balance between Airbus and Boeing for the foreseeable future.
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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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