Airbus delivered approximately 70 planes in March, representing an 11% increase from the same month last year. However, this positions the European manufacturer on a challenging trajectory toward its 2025 delivery target.
The world's largest planemaker refrained from commenting ahead of a monthly progress report set to be released next week. If confirmed, the March delivery total would bring Airbus's first-quarter deliveries to around 135 aircraft, falling short of the 142 delivered in the same quarter last year.
The company has cautioned that first-quarter deliveries would be limited due to a shortage of engines from its main supplier, CFM, which had accelerated some shipments to meet its 2024 targets.
Airbus aims for a total of 820 deliveries for the year. Rob Morris, global head of consultancy at Cirium Ascend, noted that the company would need to significantly increase its delivery pace for the remainder of the year to stay on course for this goal.
During a recent visit to Airbus's Toulouse headquarters, a reporter observed several undelivered jets awaiting their engines. Analysts indicate that the pace of deliveries, which drive most revenues, will be closely monitored in the coming months, especially as the aerospace industry prepares for potential new trade tariffs that could impact parts and raw materials.