Airbus has already warned its customers – carriers and lessors – about delays in deliveries of commercial jets in 2024, some of them postponed to 2025, sources told Reuters.
According to them, the delay could reach several months. The situation is no different from last year when Airbus only guaranteed the target of delivering at least 720 aircraft by the end of the year – it had 735 deliveries.
Among the most scarce components are the engines. Airbus works with the three largest turbofan suppliers, Rolls-Royce, which equips the A330 and A350 widebodies, CFM and Pratt & Whitney, more focused on the A220 and A320neo narrowbody families.
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It is precisely Pratt & Whitney that has caused the most trouble due to the problems affecting the PW1000G (GTF) engine. Although the flaws have been remedied, the US company has still not been able to correct the engines already manufactured.
Experts believe that the shortage of parts and production bottlenecks could last for years, making it difficult for airlines to renew their fleets, eager to reduce the cost of fuel provided by the new fleet of commercial aircraft.
Airbus is expected to release its aircraft delivery guidance for 2024 on February 15, when it will hold its press conference on its 2023 results.
Industry analysts estimate that the planemaker could set a target of 800 aircraft this year, driven by high demand for A320neo aircraft, which currently has four factories in operation.
In January, Airbus delivered 30 aircraft, 50% more than the same month of 2023.
