Update 1 - Airbus maintains its annual target, betting on a surge in deliveries at the end of the year

Charts displaying delivery volume, stock price, and relevant background of Boeing have been added in paragraphs 6 and 9–11.

Gianluca Lo Nostro/Joanna Plucinska/Florence Loeve

Reuters, October 28 - Airbus AIR.PA maintained its full-year outlook and production plans after releasing mixed third-quarter results on Wednesday, shifting investor focus to whether the company can meet its annual aircraft delivery target.

The world’s largest planemaker stuck to its target to deliver around 870 aircraft this year—a new record for the company—and kept its previous production goals unchanged. To achieve this, Airbus would have to post a record number of deliveries in the fourth quarter.

Airbus reported that its adjusted operating profit for the three months to the end of September reached 1.77 billion euros ($2 billion), broadly in line with the analyst estimates compiled by the company. Revenue fell by 2% to 17.47 billion euros, below the forecast of 17.91 billion euros.

Airbus typically delivers more jets in the final months of the year, but past production has been disrupted by engine shortages and other supply chain constraints, forcing it to cut delivery targets at the end of previous years.

Those pressures have recently started to ease.

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“In a complex geopolitical and operational environment, we are focused on deliveries while remaining unwavering in our attention to quality. Our plans are clear, and the teams are working together to achieve them,” CEO Guillaume Faury said in a statement.

Since January, free cash flow after customer financing has been negative 1.27 billion euros, reflecting preparation for stronger year-end deliveries and increased inventory due to ramped-up production in anticipation of those deliveries.

Rival Boeing (BA.N ) on Tuesday highlighted production delays (link) and supply chain challenges, as CEO Kelly Ortberg said the U.S. planemaker will not be able to meet key production and aircraft delivery targets this year.
In terms of deliveries this year, Airbus still leads its American competitor, having delivered 574 jets in 2026 so far, compared to only 475 delivered by Boeing.

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