Airbus, the world’s largest planemaker, has set a modest target of delivering 820 commercial jets in 2025, falling short of analyst expectations and highlighting continued supply chain challenges, the Financial Times (FT) reported. The figure is below Barclays’ forecast of 840-850 aircraft and remains behind the company’s pre-pandemic record of 863 deliveries in 2019.
Despite these constraints, Airbus delivered 766 aircraft in 2024, maintaining its lead over US rival Boeing. The company achieved this through a year-end push, delivering 123 jets in December alone. However, its adjusted operating profit for the year stood at €5.35 billion—slightly above market expectations but lower than 2023’s €5.84 billion. Revenues rose 6 percent to €69.2 billion.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “We delivered on our 2024 guidance in what was a testing year for Airbus. We refocused our efforts on key priorities, notably the production ramp-up and the transformation of Defence and Space.”
The company remains committed to increasing production of its popular A320 family jets, targeting a monthly output of 75. However, supply chain issues, particularly delays from US supplier Spirit AeroSystems, continue to impact production of the A350 widebody aircraft and the A220. Spirit is currently being dismantled as part of a takeover by Boeing.
Airbus also revealed additional financial setbacks, taking a €300 million charge in the fourth quarter after an in-depth review of its space programs, bringing total charges for 2024 in that segment to €1.3 billion. The company also recorded a €121 million charge related to its A400M military transport aircraft, warning that uncertainties in future orders could affect the program’s production.
Despite these challenges, Airbus shares have performed well, rising 17.3 percent over the past 12 months, compared with an 8.5 percent decline for Boeing. The FT notes that while Airbus continues to navigate industry-wide disruptions, its steady production strategy and dominance in the commercial aviation market position it strongly for the future.
