Airbus Faces Production Challenges, New CEO Highlights Issues

Airbus’ new Chief Commercial Officer, Lars Wagner, has openly addressed the significant challenges facing the company as it seeks to increase aircraft production. Speaking at the Airline Economics Conference in January 2026, Wagner noted that despite the hurdles, Airbus remains dedicated to gradually ramping up output, particularly for its widebody aircraft programs.

In 2025, Airbus delivered a total of 793 aircraft, averaging 67 deliveries per month. While this figure surpasses deliveries from the early post-COVID-19 years, it remains below the pre-pandemic total of 863 aircraft delivered in 2019. Wagner stated, “The whole ecosystem is under pressure,” highlighting the various challenges that impact production levels.

Addressing Engine Durability Concerns

A primary concern for Airbus is the durability of its engines, particularly the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF) engines that power the A320neo family and A220 aircraft. Recent manufacturing defects in the powdered metal used for high-pressure turbine discs have led to operational disruptions for several airlines, including Wizz Air and IndiGo. Wagner stressed the need to resolve these durability issues as critical to managing the production ramp-up: “I think we need to solve the durability question first.”

In light of these challenges, Airbus is also exploring the potential for a larger variant of its A220 aircraft. Discussions about a stretched version, referred to as the A220-500, have gained traction among airline executives who rely on the current A220 models, including airBaltic. Other carriers, such as Breeze Airways, are also considering the A220-500 as a potential replacement for older narrowbody aircraft like the A320 and 737.

Currently, Airbus offers the A220-100, which can carry up to 135 passengers, and the A220-300, which accommodates a maximum of 160 passengers in a single-class configuration. The proposed A220-500 could enhance both range and capacity, with industry speculation suggesting it might accommodate up to 180 passengers.

Production Targets and Market Position

Airbus exceeded its 2025 delivery target by three units, reaching 793 aircraft against a goal of 790. Despite this achievement, the manufacturer had previously revised its production forecast down from an initial estimate of 820 aircraft due to supplier quality issues that affected fuselage panels and disrupted the delivery flow of the A320 family.

Throughout 2025, Airbus delivered 607 A320neo family aircraft, 93 A220 family aircraft, 57 A350 widebody aircraft, and 36 A330neo long-range widebody planes. In comparison, rival Boeing delivered a total of 600 aircraft in 2025, marking its highest annual total since 2018 and indicating a strong recovery for the American manufacturer.

As the aviation industry continues to navigate post-pandemic challenges, Airbus remains focused on addressing its production hurdles while exploring new opportunities for growth. The insights shared by Wagner signal a commitment to both improving existing operations and considering future developments that align with market demand.