Airbus is warning airlines that aircraft delivery delays will continue for a further three years, as the manufacturer works through a backlog of supply-chain problems, Reuters reported, citing industry sources.
The media outlet stated that this “cautious tone” on deliveries was reinforced at a recent customer gathering in Toulouse and increases pressure on the company to increase aircraft production.
"Airbus is talking about delays to aircraft in both 2027 and 2028," a senior airline executive told Reuters, adding the delays were being communicated in piecemeal fashion every few months. Another source said aircraft due for delivery later this decade had already been pencilled in for a six-month delay. "There is no real sign of improvement," said a third person following a recent customer presentation.
Airline Economics has contacted Airbus for comment.
Airbus delivered 56 aircraft during April, dropping slightly from the 61 delivered a year prior as well as from the 71 delivered in March. During the month, the European OEM delivered 43 A320neo family aircraft, as well as seven A220s. The company delivered two A330s and four A350s in April.
The company is targeting around 820 commercial aircraft deliveries for the year.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said in January he was confident of reaching the already postponed goal of producing 75 aircraft a month in 2027. Analysts have reportedly stated that production has touched 60 aircraft a month.
Airbus has delivered 32 aircraft so far this month and may top 40 for the whole of May but is unlikely to match 53 seen in May last year, said Rob Morris, global head of consultancy at Cirium Ascend.
Airbus deliveries between January and April fell 5%.