Airbus Faces Engine Shortages, Initiates Legal Action Against Pratt & Whitney
Airbus reported record net profits of €5.2 billion for the 2025 financial year, a 23% increase compared to 2024, but the aircraft manufacturer fell short of its delivery targets due to ongoing engine supply issues. Even as optimistic about future production, Airbus is facing significant challenges with engine deliveries from Pratt & Whitney, leading to a formal dispute and potential legal action.
Record Profits Amidst Delivery Challenges
Despite achieving record financial results, Airbus delivered 793 aircraft in 2025, falling short of its initial goal of 820 deliveries. This shortfall was attributed to “quality issues” related to fuselage panels on A320 aircraft, which were identified in December 2025 The Edge Singapore. However, Guillaume Faury, Airbus’s executive president, emphasized the strong demand for Airbus products and services, highlighting 2025 as a “pivotal year” and noting a 6% increase in annual turnover, reaching €73.4 billion Simple Flying.
2026 Forecasts Hampered by Engine Supply
Airbus anticipates delivering a record 870 aircraft in 2026, exceeding the 863 deliveries made in 2019. However, this forecast is contingent on resolving ongoing supply chain constraints, particularly concerning engines from Pratt & Whitney The Edge Singapore. Faury stated that global demand supports production ramp-up, but is being hindered by “significant shortages of Pratt & Whitney engines.”
Contractual Dispute and Potential Legal Action
Airbus is “not satisfied” with the volume of engines Pratt & Whitney is committing to for 2026, deeming it “insufficient” FlightGlobal. The company intends to “enforce [its] contractual rights” and has “initiated a process” related to contractual disputes, though details remain undisclosed Air Insight. Airbus may be forced to park “gliders” – fully built aircraft awaiting engines – throughout the year, though the number of affected airframes has not been specified FlightGlobal.
CFM International Leap Engine Supply
While facing difficulties with Pratt & Whitney, Airbus is currently satisfied with the supply of CFM International Leap-1A engines. Although a delivery hold-up occurred in the previous year due to industrial challenges, CFM International resolved these issues by November, and the Leap engine situation is now considered “nominal” FlightGlobal. However, CFM International is unlikely to increase engine volume in the short term to further accelerate production FlightGlobal.
Looking Ahead
Airbus is navigating a complex landscape of strong demand and supply chain constraints. The resolution of the dispute with Pratt & Whitney will be critical to achieving the company’s ambitious delivery targets for 2026 and beyond. The situation highlights the fragility of the global aerospace supply chain and the potential impact of supplier performance on aircraft manufacturers’ production schedules.