Airbus to Delay its New Freighter as A350 Production Problems Persist
Airbus has decided to delay the arrival of the cargo version of its A350 aircraft, the A350F, by up to a year later than originally planned. According to industry sources consulted by Reuters, this decision is due to ongoing supply chain issues that are also affecting the production of the rest of the A350 family. The delay is expected to be officially announced this Thursday, coinciding with the release of the company’s annual results.
The European manufacturer has not yet commented on the timeline for the A350F, which was originally scheduled to enter service in 2026.
A350 production problems
The delay of the A350F adds to the challenges Airbus faces in increasing production of the passenger models in the A350 family. In particular, the late arrival of fuselage sections supplied by Spirit AeroSystems has been a significant obstacle. These delays have effectively set a “limit” on the production of this model, preventing Airbus from exceeding the current production rate of approximately six units per month.
Despite these challenges, Airbus maintains its goal of reaching a production rate of 12 A350 units per month by 2028, including both passenger and cargo versions. When asked about production, a company spokesperson referred to previous statements made in October, where it was mentioned that the 2028 target remains in place, although the company faces supply chain challenges leading up to 2025.
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Sustained Demand for Cargo Aircraft
Despite global trade tensions, cargo aircraft remain in high demand. Major operators in the Gulf and other regions are looking to renew their fleets, especially considering delays in the certification of programs that convert passenger aircraft into freighters. This represents an opportunity for Airbus, although the delay of the A350F could impact its competitiveness in this segment.
Spirit AeroSystems Restructuring and Its Impact on Airbus
The delay of the A350F also highlights the fragility of global supply chains in the wake of the pandemic. Spirit AeroSystems, a key supplier of fuselages for Airbus, is undergoing a complex restructuring. Boeing has agreed to repurchase its former subsidiary, but the deal depends on Airbus taking over certain loss-making operations of Spirit, including the North Carolina plant that manufactures central fuselage sections for the A350.
In October, Reuters reported that deliveries of these sections from the Kinston plant were delayed, which Airbus later confirmed by expressing concerns about Spirit’s ability to increase production by 2025. Now, according to industry sources, it is increasingly uncertain whether a significant increase in A350 production can be achieved by 2025 or even part of 2026.
Current State of A350 Production
During the pandemic, Airbus halved A350 production, dropping from 10 to just five units per month. In 2023, the company partially increased production to six units per month, but since then, it has struggled to exceed that figure. In January 2025, the company delivered only two units of the model.
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