European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has successfully exceeded its annual delivery target for 2025, delivering a total of 793 aircraft by the end of the calendar year. According to a report by Bloomberg, the company made significant efforts in the final days of December to achieve this milestone, despite earlier setbacks that had led to a downward revision of its delivery expectations.
In November 2025, Airbus reduced its guidance from an anticipated 820 aircraft to a more conservative estimate due to complications affecting the A320 model. These complications included a software upgrade that temporarily grounded the entire A320 fleet and issues concerning fuselage panels that did not meet required specifications. As a result, the original projections of more than 800 aircraft were adjusted.
While Airbus has not officially confirmed the total number of aircraft delivered, various media outlets have conducted their own estimates. Reuters reported that over 790 aircraft were delivered, while Cirium, an aviation analytics company, projected a total of 782 aircraft for the year. The final, audited figures for deliveries will be published after markets close on January 12, 2026.
Airbus vs. Boeing: A Competitive Landscape
As the world’s largest planemaker, Airbus remains at the forefront of aircraft production and delivery, although it trails behind Boeing in the total number of new orders. Both companies continue to be monitored closely, as their performance serves as an indicator of the broader stability within the airline industry. Over the last few years, Airbus has faced challenges related to supply chain pressures, impacting the availability of components ranging from engines to interior fittings. These issues have occasionally hindered the timely handover of aircraft to customers.
In total, more than 1,400 aircraft are expected to have been delivered by both Airbus and Boeing before the end of the calendar year, marking a return to pre-pandemic delivery levels. In 2024, Airbus had successfully delivered 7 commercial aircraft to 86 international customers. Once final figures are confirmed, the difference in deliveries between Airbus and Boeing is expected to be around 150 aircraft.
The commitment of Airbus to meet its delivery target was exemplified on December 19, 2025, when the company delivered ten A321neo aircraft in a single day to several airlines, including Air China, Wizz Air, IndiGo, and AirAsia.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Developments for Airbus
Looking to the future, Airbus has several significant developments planned for 2026, notably the delivery of the long-awaited A350-1000ULR to Qantas. This aircraft is expected to play a crucial role in the airline’s ambitious Project Sunrise, which aims to offer non-stop flights from Sydney to major cities like New York and London. The first delivery of this aircraft is anticipated for late 2026, with the capability to operate non-stop flights lasting up to 22 hours.
Airbus is also increasing production of its A320 models to meet ongoing demand. The company plans to establish a second assembly line in Tianjin, China, and repurpose another line in Toulouse for the A321 production, enhancing its capacity further. As reported by Aerospace Global News, Airbus aims to maintain ambitious delivery targets into 2026, focusing on growth in both the A320neo and A321XLR segments, while also preparing for the inaugural flight of the A350F.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury expressed optimism for 2026, stating that it will be “another year of progressive ramp up.” The company’s efforts to navigate recent challenges and achieve its delivery goals reflect its resilience in a competitive industry.
