Airbus Cuts 2025 Delivery Target After A320 Fuselage Panel Defects
Airbus Lowers Delivery Goal After New Quality Issue
Airbus lowered its 2025 aircraft delivery target after discovering a fuselage panel quality problem in the A320 family. The manufacturer cut its goal from around 820 aircraft to about 790 aircraft for the year.
Airbus said the defect involved incorrectly milled fuselage panels supplied by Sofitec Aero in Spain. Engineers identified thickness issues near forward passenger doors and later reported similar defects toward the rear fuselage.
The problem forced Airbus to slow deliveries while inspections began across 628 affected aircraft.
Recent Software Issue Added Pressure
The panel defect followed a separate software issue that grounded thousands of A320 aircraft last weekend. Airbus said solar radiation could corrupt specific data used by flight control computers.
The company released a software fix, and the vast majority of the global fleet returned to service by Monday. Airbus stressed that the fuselage panel issue did not affect aircraft flight safety.
Deliveries Slow While Inspections Continue
Inspections included 168 aircraft already flying and hundreds more in production. Industry sources said Airbus delivered only 72 aircraft in November, which was lower than expected.
Each structural repair can take three to five weeks, which affects short-term delivery flow. Airbus leaders confirmed that weak November deliveries forced the company to reassess its 2025 plan.
Despite the setback, Airbus did not adjust its earnings forecast for the year.
Airbus Maintains Financial Guidance
Airbus still expects adjusted operating income of about €7 billion in 2025. The company also reaffirmed its free cash flow outlook of about €4.5 billion.
Analysts said maintaining guidance suggested Airbus had room to absorb the delivery shortfall. Citi analysts estimated the reduced deliveries could impact profit by up to €450 million.
Airbus shares rose after the announcement, recovering from a steep drop earlier in the week.
A Challenging Year for the Manufacturer
Airbus faced ongoing supply-chain delays involving engines, seats, and core manufacturing components. The manufacturer still benefited from strong demand, partly due to Boeing’s earlier production crises.
Boeing also announced improving financial expectations for 2026, boosting market confidence. Airbus said aircraft order and delivery data for November will be released on Friday.
The company continues to prioritise safety, inspections, and stable long-term production output.