Airbus production delays

Airbus CEO Confirms Postponements Amid Rising Aircraft Demand

Global aircraft manufacturer acknowledges manufacturing challenges as orders surge at Farnborough International Airshow

Airbus production delays have become a major concern for airlines, with extended delivery timelines caused by parts shortages, labour gaps, and high global demand.

"Demand Surpasses Supply," States Airbus CEO

Addressing the yearly event in the sector, CEO Guillaume Faury emphasized persistent "bottlenecks" within the supply chain. Since thousands of suppliers contribute to assembling each aircraft, minor delays can hinder the entire production process.

"We face demand more than our capacity to deliver"

Guillaume Faury - CEO, Airbus

The Farnborough Airshow attracted commercial airlines, military pilots, technology pioneers and supporters of sustainability. Notable attendees included UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who visited the Airbus booth and engaged with the company's executives.

Airbus production delays

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury addresses supply chain challenges at the Farnborough International Airshow.

The UK's Key Role in Airbus Production

The UK continues to be a vital segment of Airbus' worldwide operations. At Filton close to Bristol, over 3,000 engineers are responsible for designing the wings of all Airbus planes. This location also handles fuel systems, landing gear and other key elements.

After the design phase, the wings are finalized at the Broughton plant in Flintshire, which has a workforce of 6,000 staff. Additionally, thousands of employees support the process via specialized suppliers around the nation.

Big Orders but Slower Output

The sales team at Airbus clinched significant agreements during this year's event:

  • Virgin Atlantic acquired seven brand-new long-haul A330 planes, worth approximately $2.1 billion (£1.6bn)
  • Japan Airlines finalized purchases for 20 A350-900 long-distance planes and 11 A321neo aircraft totaling over $3 billion (£2.3bn)

139

Orders at Farnborough 2024

8,585

Aircraft Backlog

735

Aircraft Delivered (2023)

2031

Wait Time for A321neo

Although these figures are remarkable, the overall 139 aircraft orders are considerably fewer than at Farnborough 2018, where Airbus secured 431 agreements prior to the pandemic impacting the sector.

Industry experts claim that the challenge lies not in selling airplanes but in manufacturing them. Airbus presently faces a backlog of 8,585 planes awaiting production. In the previous year, it supplied 735 aircraft, resulting in a projected wait time until as late as 2031 for favored models such as the A321neo for new buyers.

Airbus production delays

Airbus wing assembly at the Broughton plant in Flintshire employs over 6,000 staff

Addressing the Supply Chain Crisis

Faury recognized that the company is actively working to assist its suppliers and accelerate manufacturing.

"We are dispatching our staff to support suppliers facing challenges and to avoid additional delays"

Guillaume Faury - CEO, Airbus

Airbus teams are being sent to support suppliers facing challenges. The company has also expanded buffer stock levels to effectively manage interruptions.

A Strong Finish at Farnborough

Although the total sales figures were moderate, Airbus concluded the airshow positively with a preliminary deal from Saudi budget airline flynas intending to purchase 90 new planes worth approximately $12 billion. This comprises:

  • 75 A320neo jets, known for their fuel efficiency
  • 15 A330neo long-distance airplanes, designed to aid the airline’s growth and Saudi Arabia’s expanding pilgrim travel industry

The announcement was greeted with excitement at the Filton and Broughton sites, where 10,000 employees work together on Airbus wing design and manufacturing. Additionally, the company outperformed competitor Boeing in aircraft sales this year, delivering 21 more planes than the U.S. manufacturer.

However, with every order comes even more pressure on Airbus' already stretched production system. The 139 new orders signed at Farnborough will add to the massive queue the company is racing to clear.

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FAQ

Quick Answers to Common Questions

What causes delays in Airbus production and deliveries?

The delays mainly stem from supply-chain problems  specifically shortages or late deliveries of critical components like engines, structural parts, and cabin interiors.

Which Airbus models are most affected by the delays?

The delays hit especially hard for narrow-body jets (e.g. the A320neo family), and also impact widebody and freighter programs (like A350 / A350F) due to delayed fuselage parts or supplier issues.

How long are the delays expected to last?
  • Airbus has warned airlines that delivery delays could persist for up to three more years, meaning delays affecting aircraft ordered now may stretch into 2027-2028.
What impact do these delays have on airlines and air travel?
  • Airlines may receive jets later than planned causing slower fleet expansion or replacement, potential aircraft shortages, and possible increases in leasing or older aircraft usage until new planes are delivered.
Is Airbus doing anything to fix the production delays?

Yes Airbus aims to ramp up monthly production, work with suppliers to ease bottlenecks, and stabilize deliveries. However, engine and supply-chain issues remain challenging.

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Airbus production delays

Airbus production delays hit new highs as demand outpaces supply. The CEO finally explains the supply chain crisis behind late aircraft deliveries and huge order backlogs.