- Airbus delivered 72 aircraft in September, almost matching 73 a year earlier
- The plane maker faces A330 quality checks affecting jets delivered between January 2021 and July 2026
- Airbus offered concessions to airlines to maintain A321neo delivery flow
- Lars Wagner shared confidence in meeting the target of around 870 jets
- Airbus advised inspections after a tool was found in a horizontal tailplane
Airbus has delivered as many as 72 aircraft in September, almost matching 73 a year earlier and limiting the impact of a recent industrial quality flaw. The plane maker has declined to comment on the provisional delivery total ahead of a monthly industrial bulletin due on 8 October. If confirmed, the tally has exceeded the visible total of tracked deliveries estimated by analysts in the mid to high 60s, with Jefferies analysts estimating 68 deliveries.
Airbus shares rose around 1.8pc by morning trading. The unexpected pick-up in pace followed concerns about delays in the system including impact from the latest industrial glitch involving parts for the A321neo alongside existing shortages of engines and other parts. Airbus offered concessions to airlines to keep A321neo deliveries flowing despite the prospect of increased costs from shorter maintenance intervals.
Airbus Commercial chief executive Lars Wagner shared he was very confident of meeting the target of around 870 jets. Industry sources shared September was ending below planned levels and one source noted a combined total of 20 jets had shifted from the third quarter into the fourth due to the cumulative impact of recent delays. Airbus advised airlines to check A330 jets for loose objects after a tool was found in the horizontal tailplane of a jet earlier this year, slowing deliveries.
