Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury recently reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering approximately 820 commercial aircraft in 2025.
He maintained confidence in meeting the ambitious target, even as supply chain challenges persist.
Speaking at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Aerospace Summit and in a CNBC interview on September 8-9, 2025, Faury pinpointed engine shortages as the primary obstacle holding back production.
Despite these hurdles, he expressed confidence in meeting the ambitious target, citing improving supplier performance and firm commitments from engine manufacturers.
Engine Shortages Are Weakest Supply Link
As of August 2025, Airbus had delivered 434 aircraft, averaging about 54 planes per month. To achieve its year-end goal, the company must accelerate to roughly 96 deliveries per month in the final quarter.
While this ramp-up is challenging, Faury remains optimistic, noting that the broader supply chain issues that plagued the industry post-COVID are largely stabilizing.
Most suppliers are now meeting their schedules, but engine delays remain a critical bottleneck.
The engine shortages primarily involve CFM International, which produces the LEAP engine, and Pratt & Whitney, maker of the PW1100G.
Faury highlighted CFM as the bigger issue, though both suppliers are expected to resolve delivery delays by late November 2025.
These shortages have left Airbus with around 60 “gliders”—fully assembled A320neo-family fuselages awaiting engines.
This backlog underscores the severity of the issue, as these aircraft cannot be delivered until their powerplants are installed.
Confidence in 2025 Delivery Targets
Faury’s confidence stems from ongoing collaboration with engine suppliers. He emphasized that both CFM and Pratt & Whitney have committed to catching up on deliveries, which is critical for Airbus to meet its 2025 targets.
The company’s ability to navigate these challenges is vital not only for its bottom line but also for maintaining trust with airlines expecting timely deliveries to meet growing travel demand.
The aerospace industry has faced significant disruptions in recent years, from pandemic-related supply chain chaos to labour shortages.
While many of these issues are easing, the engine shortage highlights the complexity of modern aircraft production. Each aircraft relies on thousands of components from numerous third-party suppliers. Delays in any critical part, like engines, can halt or delay the entire process.
Airbus’ ability to manage this bottleneck will be a key test of its operational resilience.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Faury’s statements reflect cautious optimism. If engine deliveries align with supplier promises, Airbus is well-positioned to hit its 820-aircraft target.
This would mark a significant milestone in the company’s recovery from post-COVID challenges and reinforce its leadership in the commercial aviation market.
However, the next few months will be critical, as any further delays could jeopardize the goal.
In summary, Airbus is tackling engine shortages head-on while maintaining its 2025 delivery guidance.
With suppliers stepping up and production momentum building, the company remains confident in its ability to overcome these challenges and deliver on its annual targets.
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