Airbus commercial aircraft CEO sees early decision on higher A350 output
Airbus commercial CEO Lars Wagner said the company expects to decide “sooner rather than later” on increasing A350 production, which would require a second assembly line. Airbus is also studying larger A350 and A220 models and has not reached an agreement with Pratt & Whitney on engine supplies beyond 2026.
1. A350 production plans
Airbus plans to decide “sooner rather than later” whether to increase A350 production, CEO Lars Wagner said. The company’s existing assembly line is designed to produce 12 to 13 jets a month; higher output would require a second line and a new industrial system. Wagner said the decision would go to the board.
2. Larger aircraft under study
Airbus is studying a longer A350 with more seats, often called the A350-2000, and a larger version of its A220, known as the A220-500. The company is also working toward a “notional” 2030 launch date for an all-new single-aisle jet. Wagner said Airbus remained confident it would meet its year-end delivery goals despite recent quality flaws.
3. Engine supply uncertainty
Airbus said it has yet to reach agreement with Pratt & Whitney on engine supplies beyond 2026 for A320-family jets. Airbus and Pratt, an RTX subsidiary, are debating how to prioritize engine supplies between aircraft factories and airline repair shops. Airbus operations chief Florent Massou dit Labaquere said the number of aircraft grounded by spare-engine delays remained “quite substantial.”
