Airbus narrows delivery gap but faces new A330 quality checks
Airbus delivered as many as 72 aircraft in September, nearly matching 73 a year earlier and above analysts’ estimates of 68 if confirmed. It advised airlines to check A330s delivered from January 2021 through July this year for loose objects; Airbus still needs a record fourth quarter to meet its target of around 870 jets.
1. September deliveries
Airbus delivered as many as 72 aircraft in September, industry sources said, nearly matching the 73 delivered a year earlier. Airbus declined to comment on the provisional total ahead of its October 8 monthly industrial bulletin. If confirmed, the figure would exceed analysts’ estimates in the mid-to-high 60s, including Jefferies’ estimate of 68.
2. Year-end target
Airbus still needs a record number of deliveries in the fourth quarter to meet its target of around 870 jets. Commercial CEO Lars Wagner said this week he was “very confident” of meeting the target. Industry sources said 20 jets had shifted from the third quarter into the fourth because of cumulative delays.
3. A330 checks
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. The recommendation covers jets delivered between January 2021 and July this year and anticipates a possible regulatory order later this year; it suggests 160 aircraft, including 15 military tankers and transport planes, are affected. Airbus said all aircraft currently coming out of production have been inspected and can be delivered.
