Airbus Exceeds Expectations in Q3 and Confirms A220 Production Adjustment

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Airbus, the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer, reported on Wednesday that it exceeded market expectations in the third quarter, driven by an increase in commercial aircraft deliveries and solid performance in its helicopter and defense divisions.

The company’s adjusted operating profit increased by 38%, reaching 1.940 billion euros ($2.260 billion) in the three months ending in September. Revenues grew by 14%, to 17.830 billion euros.

Analysts had expected an adjusted operating profit of 1.760 billion euros on revenues of 17.370 billion euros, figures that Airbus comfortably surpassed.

Confirms Adjustment in A220 Production

Despite the strong results, Airbus announced an adjustment to its A220 production plan. The company will lower its target and now expects to assemble 12 aircraft per month in 2026, down from the previous goal of 14 units per month for the same period.

Airbus had previously indicated that reaching a rate of 14 aircraft per month would be key to achieving the breakeven point for the program, which was acquired from Bombardier in 2018.

2025 Deliveries: A Pending Challenge

The European company reaffirmed its target of around 820 commercial aircraft deliveries in 2025, after improving engine availability during the third quarter. Nonetheless, CEO Guillaume Faury warned that deliveries will continue to be “backloaded,” meaning concentrated towards the latter part of the year.

Through September, Airbus had delivered 507 aircraft in the first nine months, leaving a significant volume pending to reach its annual target.

→ Airbus Forecasts 45% Growth in Global Freighter Fleet by 2044

The sector continues to face supply problems, particularly with engines, due to competition with maintenance shops, where high demand for spare parts is lengthening wait times.

Industrial and Defense Outlook

Airbus maintained its production forecast of 75 A320neo aircraft per month for 2027, compared to current industry estimates, which are around 60 units per month.

In the defense area, the company reported that it is still assessing the potential impact of uncertainty regarding A400M orders, despite having reached an agreement with France and Spain to stabilize the program’s production.