Airbus Delays A350 Freighter Launch Amid Supply Woes
European planemaker Airbus is set to postpone the launch of its highly anticipated A350 freighter jet by up to a year due to ongoing production and supply chain delays. The decision, confirmed by industry sources and expected to be officially announced on February 20, 2025, comes as Airbus continues to grapple with challenges that are also affecting its passenger jet production.
The A350 freighter, originally slated to enter service in 2026, is now likely to be pushed back, extending the waiting period for the new cargo aircraft. Airbus has been working to resolve issues that have emerged from supply chain disruptions, including delays in receiving critical fuselage parts from its key supplier, Spirit AeroSystems. These setbacks have not only impacted the freighter program but have also limited production of the A350 passenger jets, a cornerstone of Airbus’ long-haul offerings.
In addition to the A350 freighter delay, Airbus is also facing broader supply chain challenges. In a guidance update released on June 24, 2024, the manufacturer admitted that shortages in engines, aircraft structural components, and interior cabin equipment have hampered its ability to meet delivery targets. The company had previously aimed for 800 commercial aircraft deliveries in 2024, but those figures have now been revised downward as production has been significantly impacted.
Airbus’s troubles extend beyond the A350 program. Plans to ramp up production of the A320neo family have also been deferred. The company had intended to increase production to 75 aircraft per month starting in 2026, but this milestone has now been postponed to 2027 as supply issues continue to persist. Despite these challenges, Airbus has managed to deliver 25 aircraft to 17 customers so far in 2025, and the company’s cumulative total deliveries have reached 15,988 aircraft across various models, including the A300, A310, A330, A340, A350, and A380.
In January 2025, Airbus received 55 new orders, signaling that despite production hiccups, demand for its aircraft remains strong. However, the current supply chain disruptions underline the complex challenges faced by the aviation industry. With global demand for commercial aircraft at an all-time high, delays in production can have ripple effects across the industry, affecting airlines’ fleet planning and operational schedules.
Airbus has declined to comment on the specific timeline for the freighter, but industry insiders expect that the manufacturer’s struggles with supply chain management may continue to constrain production throughout the remainder of 2025. The delays are a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that even the world’s largest aerospace companies face in today’s interconnected and often unpredictable global supply chain environment.
For airlines and cargo operators eagerly awaiting the A350 freighter, the postponed launch is a setback. However, Airbus remains committed to addressing these issues and working closely with suppliers to streamline production processes. As the company navigates these turbulent times, both industry experts and airline customers are watching closely, hopeful that Airbus will soon overcome these challenges and deliver on its promise of advanced, efficient, and reliable aircraft.
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