Airbus’ newly appointed Chief Commercial Officer, Lars Wagner, openly acknowledged substantial challenges facing the company’s aircraft production during the Airline Economics Conference in January 2026. Despite these hurdles, Wagner reaffirmed Airbus’ commitment to gradually increasing output, particularly for its widebody programs. In 2025, the European aircraft manufacturer achieved a total of 793 aircraft deliveries, averaging 67 deliveries per month. While this figure surpasses deliveries in the early post-COVID-19 years, it remains below the 2019 total of 863 units.
Production Challenges and Engine Issues
Wagner, who assumed his role on January 1, 2026, described the current situation as one where the “whole ecosystem is under pressure.” He specifically highlighted the need to address engine durability, citing ongoing issues with Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan (GTF) engines. These engines power the popular A320neo family and the A220, which have experienced significant operational disruptions due to a manufacturing defect found in the powdered metal used for high-pressure turbine discs. This issue has affected various operators, including Wizz Air and IndiGo, with repercussions likely extending into 2026.
Addressing the audience at the conference, Wagner stated, “The way I look at it right now is, first, there are a lot of issues that we need to tackle in order to manage the ramp-up. I think we need to solve the durability question first.” This acknowledgment of technical difficulties illustrates the complexities involved in scaling production to meet rising demand.
Potential Expansion of the A220 Family
Discussions regarding the development of a larger version of the A220 have gained traction within the industry. Airline executives from companies that currently operate the A220, such as airBaltic, have expressed interest in a stretched variant, commonly referred to as the A220-500. Other airlines, including Breeze Airways, may consider such an aircraft as a potential replacement for aging A320 or 737 models.
While Airbus has not officially announced plans for the A220-500, Wagner indicated a desire for its development during the conference. Currently, Airbus offers two variants: the A220-100, which seats up to 135 passengers, and the larger A220-300, which can accommodate a maximum of 160 passengers in a single-class configuration. The A220-100 has a range of 3,600 nautical miles (approximately 6,700 km), while the A220-300 can cover up to 3,400 nautical miles (around 6,300 km). The A220-500, if developed, is expected to enhance both range and passenger capacity, with industry speculation suggesting it could hold up to 180 passengers.
However, development of the A220-500 has faced delays. In April 2025, Flight Plan reported that Airbus had paused production due to concerns over the program’s profitability. Guillaume Faury, Airbus’ CEO, stated that launching the A220-500 before ensuring profitability could pose risks to the program’s sustainability.
2025 Delivery Performance and Market Comparison
In terms of performance, Airbus exceeded its delivery target for 2025, handing over a total of 793 aircraft, three more than its revised goal of 790 deliveries. Earlier in the year, the manufacturer had adjusted its forecast downward due to supplier quality issues, particularly affecting fuselage panels and disrupting the delivery flow for the A320 family.
The breakdown of deliveries for 2025 includes 607 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, 93 Airbus A220 family aircraft, 57 Airbus A350 widebody aircraft, and 36 Airbus A330neo long-range widebody planes. In comparison, Boeing delivered 600 aircraft in 2025, marking its highest annual total since 2018 and illustrating a notable recovery in the aviation market. As reported on January 13, 2026, Boeing’s fourth quarter saw deliveries of 117 aircraft from the 737 family, alongside 27 787 Dreamliners, 10 767s, and six 777s.
As Airbus navigates these production challenges and explores new aircraft development, the outlook for 2026 remains uncertain yet filled with potential, reflecting the complex dynamics of the global aviation industry.
