Airbus confirms 2026 delivery target

Airbus confirmed on October 28 that it aims to deliver approximately 870 commercial aircraft in 2026, having delivered 547 by the end of September. The company has improved its results over nine months but faced a slowdown in the third quarter.

Financial results show growth

Airbus reported revenue of 50.6 billion euros for the first nine months of 2026, a 7% increase, and an adjusted operating result of 4.495 billion euros, up 8%. Its net profit reached 3.587 billion euros, a 36% rise compared to the same period in 2025.

Commercial aircraft deliveries rise

Between January and September, Airbus delivered 547 commercial aircraft, up 40 from the same period in 2025. This includes 68 A220s, 428 A320 family aircraft, 13 A330s, and 38 A350s, with the A320 family making up more than three-quarters of the deliveries.

Revenue growth in commercial aircraft

The commercial aircraft segment generated 36.7 billion euros in revenue, an 8% increase, attributed to higher deliveries and services. However, the adjusted operating result rose only 3% to 3.362 billion euros, hindered by higher research and development costs and a weaker dollar.

Strong order book for Airbus

Airbus recorded 1,174 gross orders and 1,105 net orders after cancellations between January and September, more than doubling the numbers from the previous year. Its commercial aircraft backlog reached 9,310 planes by the end of September.

Third quarter shows decline

In the third quarter, Airbus delivered 196 commercial aircraft, leading to a 2% decline in consolidated revenue to 17.469 billion euros. The adjusted operating result fell 9% to 1.768 billion euros, affected by lower deliveries and integration challenges from Spirit AeroSystems.

Net profit increases despite decline

Despite the quarterly decline in operating results, Airbus reported a 20% increase in net profit to 1.344 billion euros. This improvement was partly due to a 37 million euro net positive adjustment, compared to a 194 million euro negative adjustment in the same period last year.

Challenging end-of-year delivery target

To meet its 2026 delivery target of 870 aircraft, Airbus must deliver an additional 323 planes between October and December, an average of 108 per month. This would represent a 13% increase compared to the same period last year.

Engine supply limits production

The supply of engines remains a key constraint for increasing production of the A320 family. Airbus specifically cited Pratt & Whitney engines as the factor limiting the pace of production growth, though it believes it has enough supplies to meet its 2026 targets.

Integration challenges from Spirit AeroSystems

The integration of Spirit AeroSystems has caused financial challenges, with 235 million euros in adjustments to the operating result over nine months. Management describes the integration as ongoing and complex, particularly with the production of the A350's fuselage section.

Quality issues affect operations

Airbus faced two quality issues: a surface protection problem on the A321 and a forgotten tool in the A330's horizontal stabilizer. While these did not pose safety risks, they temporarily disrupted operations and required inspections and process improvements.

Long-term production goals remain

Airbus maintains its long-term production goals, aiming for 70 to 75 A320 family aircraft per month by the end of 2027, with other models like the A220 and A350 also having set delivery targets for the coming years.

Cash flow challenges in the fourth quarter

Airbus reported a negative cash flow of 1.268 billion euros before customer financing over nine months. To meet its annual target of 4.5 billion euros, it must generate nearly 5.8 billion euros in the fourth quarter, though its net cash remains positive at 7 billion euros.

Defense and space activities grow

Airbus's defense and space activities contributed significantly to its growth, with revenue rising 5% to 9.3 billion euros and an adjusted operating result of 672 million euros, a 60% increase compared to the previous year.

Helicopter division faces challenges

Airbus Helicopters delivered 226 helicopters, up from 218 the previous year, but revenue remained nearly flat at 5.6 billion euros. Its adjusted operating result declined by 10% to 445 million euros, reflecting the complex relationship between delivery volume and profitability.