TOULOUSE- Airbus has informed airlines, including Air Lease Corp, that aircraft delivery delays will continue through 2027 and into 2028 due to persistent disruptions in the supply chain.
Airports such as Los Angeles International (LAX) and London Heathrow (LHR) may experience delays as Airbus addresses ongoing shortages of engines and structural parts, as reported by various industry insiders.
Airbus has faced production challenges since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted global supply chains.
While minor improvements have surfaced, significant bottlenecks, particularly in engine supply and essential aircraft structures, remain a hurdle.
This concern was reiterated during a recent customer briefing held at Airbus’s headquarters in Toulouse, where company officials acknowledged the likelihood of multiple-year delays.
Executives from various global carriers have confirmed to Reuters that Airbus has provided updates regarding expected delays for aircraft originally set for delivery in 2027 and beyond.
The communication of these warnings has been staggered, with revised schedules being presented gradually rather than in one comprehensive update.
A leasing executive has indicated that aircraft deliveries in the latter half of the decade are already facing six-month postponements.
Leasing companies such as Air Lease Corp have publicly acknowledged notifications regarding delays for the A320neo and A321neo families, which are among Airbus’s most popular models.
Despite typically enjoying more flexible delivery timelines compared to airlines, lessors are encountering growing difficulties in managing fleet planning, adding to the overall shortage of available aircraft.
Targets Under Scrutiny
Insiders within the industry describe it as unusual for a manufacturer to predict delivery delays three years ahead of schedule.
This early notice indicates the record-high production goals and the intense scrutiny Airbus faces from airlines seeking clarity on future fleet availability.
According to CEO Guillaume Faury, Airbus’s ambitious plan to increase production of its A320 family jets to 75 aircraft per month by 2027 remains in place.
However, actual production rates are currently near 60 per month. Both analysts and customers question whether the company can realistically achieve its revised targets within the anticipated timeframe, especially considering the continued uncertainty with key suppliers.
An Airbus spokesperson highlighted the company’s ongoing collaboration with suppliers to alleviate the impact of current supply chain issues on its customers.
Nonetheless, engine manufacturer CFM, which is co-owned by GE Aerospace and Safran, has yet to finalize a supply schedule that aligns with Airbus’s growth objectives, complicating the outlook further.
Challenges with Monthly Deliveries
So far this month, Airbus has delivered only 32 aircraft, with projections to exceed 40 by month’s end, which is significantly lower than the 53 aircraft delivered in May of the previous year. From January to April, deliveries decreased by 5% year-on-year.
Despite these obstacles, Airbus remains committed to its annual target of 820 aircraft deliveries for 2025, representing a 7% increase compared to 2024.
However, company officials acknowledge that engine supply issues may escalate in the short term before any improvement is seen.
Safran recently suggested progress in addressing supply constraints, indicating that CFM could regain momentum later in 2025.
The ongoing challenges signify that both short and long-term aircraft availability will continue to be limited, intensifying the global aircraft shortage and complicating fleet expansion plans for airlines and leasing companies alike.
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Based on an article from aviationa2z.com: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/05/29/airbus-faces-delivery-delays-until-2028/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=airbus-faces-delivery-delays-until-2028
