Delays In CFM And P&W Crowd Factory Ramp Space

Airbus says it is on track to hit its delivery target for commercial aircraft this year, but airframes without engines are crowding the factory ramp space as supply-chain and other issues plagued CFM International initially and now Pratt & Whitney is having difficulties as well.

Airbus released its results for the first half of 2025 on July 30 and reiterated its goal of delivering about 820 aircraft by the end of the year. That may be challenging because of the 60 complete aircraft sitting on the factory ramp waiting for engines to be installed.

Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus confirmed the issue, adding the in April there were 17 aircraft awaiting engines and in June that rose to about 40.

Faury said that “it won’t be a walk in the park” and it will be “more back-loaded than we would like” referring to the 820-delivery target.

He also mentioned that the engines problems were “specific supply chain challenges” with deliveries from CFM International, and now Pratt & Whitney experiencing delays.

First-half profits for Airbus rose 85% To $1.7 billion (€1.5 billion) compared to the same period in 2024. Revenues rose 3% from $31 billion (€1.5 billion) to $2.5 billion (€2.2 billion).

During H1 the airframer secured orders for 402 aircraft, up from 327 last year. Airbus Helicopters signed net orders totaling 171 aircraft, down from 233 last year.

Faury said, “Our H1 financials reflect transformation progress in our Defense and Space division and the lower commercial aircraft deliveries compared to a year ago. We are producing aircraft in line with our plans but deliveries are backloaded as we face persistent engine supply issues on the A320 program.”

He continued, “The operating environment is complex and fast-changing. On tariffs, the recent political agreement between the EU and the US to revert to a zero-tariff approach for civil aircraft is a welcome development for our industry. Our 2025 guidance, which continues to exclude the impact of tariffs, remains unchanged.”

FMI:  www.airbus.com/