Airbus Cuts 2025 Deliveries after A320 Fuselage Panel Issues

Airbus lowered its 2025 delivery goal to approximately 790 commercial aircraft, which is 30 fewer than earlier projections, while still upholding its financial objectives after encountering a quality issue with fuselage panels on its well-liked A320 jet family.

Reuters initially disclosed the industrial quality issue following an emergency recall of thousands of A320s for a software modification over the weekend. Airbus stocks increased by 2% in early morning trading, following a nearly 7% decline in the previous two sessions.

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Analysts noted that the downgrade brings clarity after a chaotic week for the globe's largest aircraft manufacturer, arriving just two months after the A320 surpassed the Boeing 737 as the top-delivered model ever.

"Analysts from Jefferies noted in a report to investors that not all of the 30 aircraft taken off the delivery schedule this year will necessarily need a parts replacement." They pointed out that Wednesday's statement did not refer to engines causing additional delays.

Engine supplies have faced close examination as aircraft manufacturers aim to boost production of new jets, while airlines vie with assembly lines for resources to tackle prolonged engine repair durations.

Airbus engineers discovered flaws in a broader range of A320 fuselage panels while getting ready to examine numerous jets, according to a presentation for airlines reviewed by Reuters. A total of 628 aircraft are scheduled for inspection, but Airbus has indicated that only some of them will require additional measures.

The impacted areas have incorrect thickness due to a stretching and milling process performed by Sofitec Aero from Seville, which did not reply to inquiries for comments.