Airbus is working to bring A320neo-family production and deliveries back into alignment after a difficult start to 2026, with supply-chain and quality issues leaving completed aircraft waiting for handover.
The manufacturer delivered 114 commercial aircraft in the first quarter of 2026, down from the same period last year, while revenues fell to €12.7 billion and adjusted EBIT dropped to €300 million. Airbus said its 2026 guidance remained unchanged, but the first-quarter figures showed the pressure caused by slower deliveries.
Reports said the disruption was linked to several factors, including a fuselage panel quality issue affecting A320neo-family aircraft, engine-supply constraints, and administrative delays involving aircraft deliveries to Chinese customers. Airbus is now aiming to resynchronize production and deliveries before the second half of the year.
The A320neo family remains Airbus’ most important commercial aircraft program, with demand still strong from airlines seeking more fuel-efficient narrowbody jets. However, the delivery slowdown has created an inventory buildup, with aircraft produced but not yet transferred to customers.
Engine availability, especially involving Pratt & Whitney-powered aircraft, has also remained a key constraint. The issue has affected the pace at which Airbus can complete and deliver aircraft, even as airlines continue to wait for new capacity.
Despite the short-term disruption, Airbus has maintained its full-year target of around 870 commercial aircraft deliveries in 2026. The company’s challenge will be to convert built aircraft into delivered aircraft while keeping its longer-term A320-family ramp-up on track.
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