Airbus reported a strong 2025 for its commercial aircraft division, delivering 793 planes and generating EUR 52.6 billion in revenue. This 4% increase from the previous year came despite persistent manufacturing challenges. Total company profits rose to EUR 5.2 billion, allowing for a proposed dividend of EUR 3.20 per share.
To manage a record backlog of 8,754 aircraft, Airbus is accelerating its production rates. The main goal is to produce 75 A320 Family units per month by 2027. However, the company continues to face significant engine shortages, specifically from Pratt & Whitney. This “desynchronisation” means planes are often built but cannot be delivered immediately because they are waiting for engines.
To help stabilise the supply chain for the A350 and A220 programmes, Airbus is currently integrating key work packages from Spirit AeroSystems. While this move cost EUR 188 million in 2025, it is a strategic step to ensure smoother production in the future.
Maintenance, spare parts, and digital upgrades have become a high-margin buffer for the company. As global air traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels, demand for these services has surged. This volume was a major reason the company’s overall adjusted operating profit jumped 33% to EUR 7.1 billion.
Airbus expects to deliver approximately 870 commercial aircraft in 2026. While this shows growth, the target is more conservative than many analysts expected. The cautious guidance reflects the reality that while demand for new planes is at an all-time high, the global supply chain remains the primary bottleneck for the next two years.
2026 outlook and market reaction
Despite the record 2025 performance, Airbus shares fell over 5% following the announcement. This was primarily due to the 2026 delivery guidance of ~870 aircraft, which analysts viewed as conservative compared to consensus estimates of roughly 895.
The guidance reflects management’s cautious stance on the global supply chain, suggesting that while demand is “landmark” high, the ability to physically assemble and hand over aircraft remains the company’s primary bottleneck for the coming 12 to 24 months.
Images: Rob Munro
delivered 793 commercial aircraft last year and recorded 1,000 gross orders
