Airbus is grappling with significant challenges in ramping up aircraft production, as highlighted by its new Chief Commercial Officer, Lars Wagner, during the Airline Economics Conference in January 2026. While the company remains committed to gradually increasing output, particularly for its widebody programs, Wagner acknowledged that “there are a lot of issues” that need to be addressed.
Deliveries in 2025 reached a total of 793 aircraft, averaging 67 deliveries per month. This figure represents an improvement over the early post-COVID-19 years but falls short of the 2019 total of 863 units. Wagner emphasized that the entire aerospace ecosystem is currently under pressure, affecting operations across the industry.
Addressing Engine Durability Issues
One of the central challenges facing Airbus is related to the durability of engines supplied by Pratt & Whitney. The geared turbofan (GTF) engines, which power the A320neo family and A220 models, have been plagued by a major manufacturing defect in the powdered metal used for high-pressure turbine discs. This has resulted in operational disruptions for several operators, including Wizz Air and IndiGo, and continues to impact operations into 2026.
Wagner stated, “The way I look at it right now is, first, there are a lot of issues that we need to tackle in order to manage the ramp-up. I think we need to solve the durability question first.” This focus on engine issues underscores the complexity of increasing production rates in a sector already facing numerous pressures.
Potential Launch of the A220-500
Discussions regarding the potential production of a larger variant of the A220, dubbed the A220-500, have also emerged. Airline executives from carriers reliant on the A220, including airBaltic, have expressed interest in this extended version, which could serve as a replacement for older A320 or Boeing 737 aircraft.
Although Airbus has yet to confirm plans for the A220-500, Wagner conveyed his enthusiasm for its development. Currently, Airbus offers two variants: the A220-100, which accommodates up to 135 passengers, and the A220-300, which can seat a maximum of 160 passengers in a single-class layout. The A220-500 is speculated to potentially increase capacity to 180 passengers and enhance range capabilities.
In April 2025, the publication Flight Plan reported that Airbus had paused the A220-500 project due to concerns about profitability. Guillaume Faury, the CEO of Airbus, has previously indicated that launching the -500 variant before achieving profitability could pose risks to the program’s sustainability.
2025 Delivery Performance and Industry Context
Despite the challenges, Airbus exceeded its delivery target for 2025, handing over 793 airplanes, which was three units above its revised goal of 790 deliveries. This target had initially been set higher but was adjusted downward earlier in the year due to supplier quality issues affecting fuselage panels, which disrupted the delivery flow for the A320 family.
In total, Airbus delivered 607 A320neo family aircraft, 93 A220 family aircraft, 57 A350 widebody aircraft, and 36 A330neo long-range aircraft. In contrast, its main rival, Boeing, reported a total of 600 aircraft deliveries in 2025, marking its highest annual total since 2018 and indicating a significant recovery in its production capabilities.
Data released on January 13, 2026, revealed that Boeing delivered 117 aircraft from its 737 family in the fourth quarter, along with 27 787 Dreamliners and additional models, culminating in impressive delivery figures for the year.
As Airbus navigates these pressing issues, the aviation industry will be closely watching how the company addresses its production challenges and whether it can capitalize on the demand for new aircraft.
