Airbus is ramping up its narrowbody aircraft production to meet growing demand, with ambitious targets for both the A320 family and the A220.
This week at the OEM’s base in Toulouse, Florent Massou, Airbus’s EVP Production, said: “We are confirming our rate trajectory, with the A220 targeting Rate 14 by 2026 and the A320 aiming for Rate 75 by 2027.”
He added that the company is “changing the mix of products towards the A321” and “introducing new variants such as the A321XLR”.
The A320 family continues to dominate the single-aisle market with 19,234 firm orders, 12,054 deliveries, a backlog of 7,180 aircraft as of May 2025 and a 62% market share.
The A321neo, A321LR, and A321XLR models offer three steps in range capability. The A321XLR, entering service in 2024, will open new markets with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 97 to 101 tons and a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles.
Meanwhile, the A220 is filling the gap between large single-aisle aircraft and regional jets, making it the market leader in the 100-160 seat segment.
As of the end of May 2025, 24 airlines operate 418 A220 aircraft, with an average fleet age of 3.4 years.
Jean-François Parent, Head of A220 Chief Engineering, said the A220’s success is underpinned by its ability to open new routes, facilitate fleet simplification, replace previous single-aisle aircraft, and enable regional up-grading from smaller aircraft.
The parent pointed to airlines such as airBaltic and US operator Breeze, which utilised the A220’s performance characteristics to support their route networks.
“Breeze based their operation on the 220’s capabilities. Hartford to Los Angeles was not a route before because regional jets did not have the range,” he said.
Parent added that the A220 is subject to continuous improvements, with future developments planned, including the Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS), XL Bins offering 20% more volume and 10% more payload, 100% SAF capability, and extended maintenance intervals.
To meet the ramp-up, Airbus is strengthening its skilled workforce through anticipated recruitment, intensive training, and the adoption of robotics, digital tools, and automation.
Crucially, the company insists that the supply chain issues are now largely resolved, with 98% of suppliers able to support its ramp-up plans, resulting in fewer missing parts and improved quality.
Photo: Rob Munro
The Airbus A321 Final Assembly Line in Toulouse.
