Airbus targets near-doubling of profits as supply woes ease

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 23, 2026

Airbus projected its core profits could nearly double to between €12 billion and €13 billion by 2029, driven primarily by increased commercial aircraft deliveries despite ongoing supply chain challenges. This growth outlook supports a €5 billion share buyback program and reflects improved production visibility, with the company planning a 10% rise in deliveries by 2026 and targeting resolution of engine supply issues by 2028.

Airbus outlined ambitious medium-term financial targets on July 21, forecasting a near doubling of core profits by 2029 as it moves past persistent supply chain challenges that have constrained production across the aerospace industry. The European aerospace giant aims to achieve adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) between €12 billion ($15.76 billion) and €13 billion by 2029, up significantly from its anticipated €7.13 billion in 2025 and exceeding the 2026 target of €7.5 billion.

The company’s plan includes a €5 billion share buyback program, reflecting confidence in its ability to ramp up aircraft deliveries amid robust demand from airlines. Airbus attributed the expected profit growth primarily to its commercial aircraft business, which it projects will generate around €10 billion in operating profit by 2029.

Airbus Chief Executive Guillaume Faury expressed optimism about overcoming past hurdles, stating that the company now has “a level of visibility we’ve never had before.” He noted that while some supply chain difficulties persist, particularly as production scales up, conditions are markedly improved compared to the disruptions experienced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2026, Airbus plans to maintain commercial aircraft deliveries at approximately 870 jets, a 10 percent increase from previous levels. The company is placing particular emphasis on wide-body aircraft such as the A350, where production is expected to rise significantly in coming years.

However, supply constraints remain a significant factor, particularly for engines that power Airbus’s smaller A320neo jets. Lars Wagner, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, indicated that ongoing engine supply issues with Pratt & Whitney are expected to be resolved by 2028. Airbus is actively seeking increased engine supplies from Pratt & Whitney’s RTX unit for 2027, amid competition between new assembly lines and maintenance operations for limited engine availability. The company is also looking to augment supplies from alternative provider CFM International, which has already met agreed delivery volumes.

Pratt & Whitney reported that maintenance-related disruptions, which had grounded hundreds of aircraft, are now easing, with grounded planes down 40 percent from their peak. This development is expected to support Airbus's production ramp-up efforts.

In addition to current product lines, Airbus confirmed it is exploring the possibility of launching extended versions of its A220 and A350 aircraft, although no timeline has been set for potential new models. The company’s strategic focus remains on capitalizing on recovering global air travel demand while managing supply chain complexities in the years ahead.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.