Airbus Slashes 2025 Jet Delivery Target After Finding A320 Fuselage Flaw

Airbus has cut its 2025 aircraft delivery goal. The European planemaker found a quality issue in fuselage panels on its best-selling A320 jets. This forces a reduction of about 30 planes from its target this year.

The announcement shakes the aviation industry. It highlights ongoing supply chain and manufacturing challenges. Airbus rival Boeing, meanwhile, projects a return to positive cash flow.

Details of the A320 Panel Defect and Production Impact

The problem involves five specific fuselage panels. They are located above the cockpit and near the front doors. The panels did not meet required thickness specifications.

According to industry reports, 628 aircraft had these panels installed. That includes 168 planes already flying with airlines. The flaw was traced to one supplier’s stretching and milling process.

Airbus says the production issue is now fixed. However, the late discovery created a bottleneck. The company must now check and clear affected jets.

Jefferies analysts noted the situation. They said the finding forced Airbus to revise its 2025 delivery target down to around 790 aircraft. The original goal was roughly 820 deliveries.

Boeing’s Financial Rebound and Market Reaction

As Airbus navigates this setback, Boeing sees a brighter financial horizon. Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer projected positive free cash flow for 2026. This would reverse years of significant cash burn.

The company has not posted an annual profit in free cash flow since 2023. Boeing’s stock rose on the optimistic forecast. Analysts see the company gaining momentum on orders and deliveries.

The news narrows the competitive gap with Airbus. It shows the fierce rivalry in the single-aisle jet market remains volatile. Both companies face intense pressure to execute flawlessly.

Broader Market Context and Industry Watch

The aviation news unfolded amid mixed global market signals. Asian indices were split, while European markets traded quietly. U.S. stock futures pointed to a slightly higher open.

Commodity markets saw movement. Oil prices rose over 1%. Bitcoin surged more than 6%, highlighting digital asset volatility.

Beyond aerospace, major corporate earnings are due. Reports from Salesforce and Snowflake could sway tech sector sentiment. Other strategic moves, like potential media mergers, are also in focus.

The Airbus 2025 delivery target cut underscores the fragility of modern aerospace manufacturing. It serves as a stark reminder that quality control and supply chain reliability are paramount for industry giants and global travel networks alike.

Info at your fingertips

What was wrong with the Airbus A320 panels?

The issue was with the thickness of five specific fuselage panels. They were either too thick or too thin due to a flaw in the supplier’s manufacturing process. This did not meet Airbus’s strict safety and quality specifications.

How many planes are affected by the Airbus defect?

Reports indicate 628 aircraft had the panels installed. This includes 168 jets already delivered to airlines and in service. The remainder are in the production and delivery pipeline.

What is Boeing’s new financial forecast?

Boeing forecasts positive free cash flow in the “low single digits” for 2026. This is a major shift after projecting a $2 billion cash burn for 2025. The prediction fueled a rise in its stock price.

Will the Airbus issue cause flight cancellations?

Airbus states the issue is not an immediate safety concern for flying aircraft. Airlines will work with Airbus on inspection and any needed repairs. The main impact is on the production and delivery schedule for new planes.