Airbus reported a month of reduced handovers in April, delivering 67 aircraft and bringing total deliveries for the year to April to 181 units. That figure represents a 5.7% decline versus the 192 aircraft delivered in the same period a year earlier.
The company reiterated the challenge of ramping up customer handovers as it contends with lingering supply and administrative constraints. Airbus said it is working to accelerate the pace of deliveries after first-quarter output was slowed by Pratt & Whitney engine shortages and administrative holdups in China.
April's monthly deliveries were down 16% from the prior year, underscoring volatility in the handover schedule as Airbus aims for a roughly 870-aircraft annual delivery target. The company noted that, despite recent obstacles, it continued to transfer aircraft to customers across several regions.
Monthly data show that deliveries to carriers in the Gulf region continued in April even with ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The report cited Emirates, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia among those receiving airliners during the month, stating that those three carriers received three airliners last month.
In China, Airbus resumed deliveries after administrative delays were resolved, allowing handovers to Chinese customers to continue. The company also provided sales figures for the first quarter, reporting 436 aircraft sold in that period and a net total of 405 after accounting for cancellations.
The timing of Airbus deliveries has broader industry context within the first quarter, where Boeing overtook Airbus in jet deliveries for the first time in any quarter since the start of 2023. The change occurred as Boeing, led by CEO Kelly Ortberg, seeks to stabilise the U.S. planemaker following a series of setbacks that previously allowed Airbus to gain ground.
For Airbus, the task remains to restore a steadier handover cadence to meet its full-year objective. The company is managing supply-chain issues and regulatory or administrative processes in key markets while continuing to fulfil orders in regions including the Gulf and China.
Data highlights
- April deliveries: 67 aircraft
- Year-to-April total deliveries: 181 (down from 192 a year earlier; -5.7%)
- First-quarter sales: 436 aircraft (net 405 after cancellations)
- Company annual delivery target: about 870 commercial aircraft