Airbus Achieves Solid Delivery Numbers Amidst Supply Chain Constraints

Airbus successfully delivered 766 aircraft in 2024, surpassing the 735 deliveries of the previous year. This 4.2% increase highlights the company’s ability to navigate persistent supply chain challenges that have plagued the aerospace industry. While Airbus fell slightly short of its revised target of approximately 770 aircraft (down from an initial goal of 800). The delivery figures demonstrate significant progress. SuperMetalPrice analysts note that the company’s ability to nearly achieve its revised target despite these obstacles is a testament to its operational resilience.

Production Highlights and the Importance of Metals

The A320 family remained the workhorse for Airbus, with 602 deliveries in 2024. This included the first delivery of the highly anticipated A321XLR, a long-range single-aisle aircraft. Looking ahead, Airbus aims to significantly increase A320neo production to a monthly rate of 75 aircraft by 2027. This ramp-up will require a stable and reliable supply of critical metals. These include aluminum and titanium, which are essential for aircraft construction.  

SuperMetalPrice has also observed strong order momentum for Airbus’s widebody aircraft, especially those with higher titanium content. Titanium’s high strength-to-weight ratio makes it crucial for modern aircraft design, contributing to fuel efficiency and performance. However, Airbus cautioned that ramping up A350 production in 2025 will depend heavily on the stabilization of supply chains for key components and raw materials. The company’s experience in 2024, with lower A350 deliveries due to supply chain issues, underscores the importance of robust and diversified sourcing strategies. This is essential for metals and other materials. The flat A330 deliveries also demonstrate the ongoing challenges.  

The performance of Airbus in 2024, as analyzed by SuperMetalPrice, underscores the crucial role of supply chain management in the aerospace industry. Securing a consistent flow of high-quality metals, including titanium and aluminum, will be paramount for Airbus to achieve its ambitious production goals in the coming years. The company’s success will depend not only on its manufacturing prowess. It will also depend on its ability to effectively manage its supply chains in a dynamic and challenging global environment.