Airbus Postpones A320 Production Increase, Lowers 2024 Forecast

Airbus, A320

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has decided to delay its planned ramp-up of A320 production to 75 aircraft per month from 2026 to 2027. The company has also revised its delivery forecast for this year, citing ongoing supply chain challenges in a deteriorating operating environment.

Originally, Airbus had aimed to reach a production rate of 75 A320s per month by 2026, a target it reaffirmed as recently as April. However, this goal has now been postponed by a year. Additionally, the company has reduced its delivery guidance for 2024 to approximately 770 aircraft, down from the previously targeted 800. Despite this reduction, the new target still represents an increase from last year, when Airbus delivered 735 aircraft, exceeding its full-year goal of 720.

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury has highlighted concerns about the overall health of the aerospace supply chain but noted that the latest guidance cuts are due to specific issues. According to Faury, suppliers are ramping up production but are not yet meeting the required pace to match demand. This has led to significant shortages of parts and engines, affecting both maintenance, repair, and operations, as well as new engine deliveries from several manufacturers. Airbus has also pointed to disruptions in cabin equipment and aerostructure supplies.

The company continues to negotiate with its supplier Spirit Aerosystems to safeguard the sourcing for its programs. These discussions include the potential acquisition of certain manufacturing activities, especially after US rival Boeing announced it was in talks to reacquire its former subsidiary.