Airbus Alerts Customers to More A350 Delays: Sources

• Delivery delays are mainly attributed to shipment problems from the former Spirit AeroSystems plant in Kinston, North Carolina, which Airbus acquired
• Cargo doors manufactured by Airbus in Spain for the new A350 freighter model are also experiencing some disruption
• Airbus maintains that the first flight and first delivery of the upcoming A350 freighter remain on schedule despite the reported delays

Summary

Airbus Alerts Customers to A350 Delivery Delays

Airbus has notified select customers of additional delays to A350 jet deliveries scheduled for later this decade, according to three industry sources. The delays primarily stem from supply chain issues at the former Spirit AeroSystems manufacturing plant in Kinston, North Carolina, which Airbus recently acquired.

Key Issues:

• Production disruptions at the ex-Spirit facility in North Carolina are the main cause of delays
• Cargo doors manufactured by Airbus in Spain for the new A350 freighter variant are also experiencing some disruption
• The delays affect deliveries planned for the latter part of the decade

Company Response:

Airbus declined to comment on specific delivery timelines but maintained that both the first flight and first delivery of the upcoming A350 freighter remain on schedule.

Market Implications:

These delays raise fresh concerns about Airbus's integration of the acquired U.S. manufacturing facility and its ability to meet production commitments. The A350 program is crucial to Airbus's wide-body aircraft strategy, competing directly with Boeing's 787 and 777 families. Supply chain disruptions, particularly from recently acquired facilities, could impact Airbus's revenue recognition timeline and strain customer relationships with airlines awaiting fleet expansion or replacement aircraft.

The news comes as the aerospace industry continues grappling with post-pandemic supply chain challenges and workforce constraints. Airlines counting on these deliveries for route expansion may need to adjust their operational plans accordingly.