Airbus aims for pre-pandemic delivery highs in 2026, P&W ‘failure’ impacts goals

Airbus is aiming for pre-pandemic delivery levels in 2026, as the European aircraft manufacturer looks to ramp up production levels over the next 10 months.

On February 19, 2026, Airbus announced that it was looking to achieve “around 870” commercial aircraft deliveries an increase from the company’s initial ambition of 820 aircraft in 2025.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, Airbus delivered 863 aircraft but suffered a significant drop the following year with only 566 deliveries.

Despite the record high prediction for deliveries in 2026, Airbus suggested that the figure was negatively impacted by engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney.

“On the A320 Family, 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. As a consequence, the Company now expects to reach a rate of between 70 and 75 aircraft a month by the end of 2027, stabilizing at rate 75 thereafter,” said Airbus in a statement before its annual press conference.

AeroTimeAdditionally, Airbus announced it was now targeting a delivery rate of 13 aircraft a month for the A220 program and a rate of 12 for the A350 program in 2028. A target rate of five a month for the A330 program was also set for 2029

“The A220 production ramp-up is ongoing and still paced by the integration of Spirit AeroSystems work packages and the balance between supply and demand,” said Airbus.

Reflecting on 2025, Airbus reconfirmed that 793 commercial aircraft were delivered in what Airbus CEO, Guillaume Faury described as a “landmark year”.

Revenues rose 6% year-on-year from $81.6 billion (€69.2 billion) in 2024 to $86.6 billion (€73.4 billion) in 2025. Revenues generated by Airbus’ commercial aircraft activities increased by 4%.

EBIT Adjusted related to Airbus’ commercial aircraft activities increased to $6.3 billion (€5.4 billion) from $6 billion (€5.09 billion).

Full Airbus company EBIT Adjusted totaled $8.3 billion (€7.1 billion) in 2025 from $6.2 billion (€5.3 billion) in 2024. Airbus is targeting $8.8 billion (€7.5 billion) in 2026.

Airbus Helicopters’ revenues increased by 13% to $10.6 billion (€9 billion) while Airbus Defense and Space increased 11% year-on-year to $15.8 billion (€13.4 billion).

“We successfully navigated a complex and dynamic operating environment to deliver on our updated guidance,” said Faury. “Global demand for commercial aircraft underpins our ongoing production ramp-up, which we are managing while facing significant Pratt & Whitney engine shortages.”

He added: “These 2025 results and the confidence in our future financial performance support the proposed higher dividend payment.”

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