Airbus remains on track to meet its goal of delivering approximately 870 aircraft by the end of 2026, despite ongoing challenges in its supply chain, the company confirmed this week. Lars Wagner, chief executive of Airbus’s commercial aircraft division, expressed confidence in the company’s ability to meet its delivery target during a press briefing in Toulouse.

By the end of September, Airbus had handed over 547 commercial aircraft to customers, leaving a backlog of more than 320 planes scheduled for delivery in the final quarter of the year. Meeting these delivery targets is closely monitored by investors, as aircraft makers generally receive the majority of their payments upon transferring jets to airlines.

In recent years, Airbus has faced production defects and supply chain bottlenecks, particularly affecting its popular A320 narrow-body family, which remains sold out through 2034 due to robust demand. Deliveries of the widebody A330 also slowed during the summer following the identification of quality issues in several aircraft under production.

Among the key ongoing difficulties, Airbus highlighted delays from U.S. engine supplier Pratt & Whitney impacting A320 deliveries, along with quality concerns related to cabin seats.

Looking ahead, Airbus plans to increase production rates substantially. The company aims to produce between 70 and 75 A320 aircraft per month by the end of 2027. In addition, it intends to boost output of its widebody A350 jets beyond the current target of 12 per month by 2028.

Wagner noted that Airbus is studying the potential launch of a larger A350 variant—the A350-2000—which would compete directly with Boeing’s long-delayed 777X. The 777X, originally expected to enter service in 2020, is now anticipated to complete certification with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration next year.

Airbus is also exploring an extended version of its smallest model, the A220, citing clear market demand for stretched versions of both the A220 and A350. Decisions on increasing A350 production, which would likely require constructing a new final assembly line, are expected well before 2030.

Beyond these incremental expansions, Airbus is advancing plans to develop a successor to the A320, a project described by Wagner as a potential “game changer.” This next-generation aircraft would align with industry goals to substantially reduce fuel consumption and meet net-zero emissions targets while accommodating ongoing market growth.

Wagner indicated Airbus would make a decision on launching this new program by the end of the decade. The company is working closely with engine manufacturers and other partners on designs that prioritize lower environmental impact alongside operational efficiency.

Overall, Airbus appears focused on navigating current supply constraints while preparing for significant production and product portfolio expansions aimed at maintaining its leadership position in the global aerospace market.