Airbus' Plane Delivery Target Cut Due to A320 Fuselage Issue
Airbus has reduced its annual plane delivery target to around 790 aircraft, a 30-plane decrease from its previous goal of 820. This decision comes after the company identified a problem with the fuselage panels on its best-selling A320 family of aircraft, requiring the inspection of hundreds of jets.
The issue stems from metal panels with incorrect thickness, located behind the cockpit on each side of the forward doors. These panels were manufactured by Sofitec Aero, a Seville-based supplier. Despite the setback, Airbus maintains its financial forecast, aiming for a full-year adjusted operating profit of approximately €7 billion.
This problem arises amidst ongoing supply chain disruptions, including delays in engine deliveries from Pratt & Whitney and maintenance-related plane outages. The A320's recent achievement as the most-delivered plane model in history adds to the challenge, with about 3,000 jets in the air when the recall was issued.
Airbus shares experienced a 2% rise on Wednesday morning but have yet to recover fully from the week's losses since the software glitch was reported. The company is set to release its November delivery figures on Friday, providing further insight into the impact of this issue on its operations.
