Key facts
- Airbus delivered 81 aircraft in May.
- This represents an increase from 51 aircraft delivered in May of the previous year.
- A Chinese regulatory issue that delayed 20 aircraft has been resolved.
- The delay was reportedly linked to pressure on European regulators regarding C919 jet certification.
- Airbus's annual delivery target is 870 aircraft.
- Supply chain disruptions and missing components continue to challenge Airbus.
Airbus delivered 81 aircraft in May, a significant increase from the 51 jets delivered in May of the previous year. This acceleration was partly due to the resolution of a "Chinese administrative topic" that had held up the delivery of approximately 20 planes. Industry sources suggest this delay was a tactic by China to pressure European regulators concerning the certification of its C919 passenger jet. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency confirmed work on the C919's validation is progressing with Chinese cooperation. Despite this progress, analysts caution that it remains to be seen if May's performance is sufficient to meet Airbus's annual delivery target of 870 planes, as the company continues to grapple with broader supply chain issues, including missing engines and cabin equipment, and slow deliveries from a key supplier plant.