Airbus Misses Profit Forecasts as Delivery Slows Due to Engine Supply Issues

European aerospace giant Airbus reported that delivery slow‑downs caused by bottlenecks in engine supply have prevented it from meeting third‑quarter profit expectations. The company said that supply problems with engines used on narrow‑body aircraft have adversely affected its production and delivery schedules, leading airlines to postpone new aircraft orders and extend the use of existing fleets. Airbus’s adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBIT) fell short of analysts’ consensus estimates, coming in at €1.4 billion. The firm delivered 497 aircraft in the first nine months of the year, a 6 % decline compared with the same period last year. With ongoing supply‑chain disruptions, Airbus cautioned that it may struggle to maintain its 2024 delivery target of 770 aircraft. Engine suppliers, notably Pratt & Whitney and CFM International, are finding it difficult to ramp up production due to raw‑material shortages and labour constraints. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said, "Engine supply bottlenecks have become one of the most critical factors limiting our production pace. We are working closely with our suppliers to resolve this issue." Following the earnings announcement, Airbus shares fell as much as 3 % on European exchanges. The company also lowered its free‑cash‑flow guidance for the full year from €3.5 billion to €3 billion. Aviation analysts predict that engine‑supply problems could persist into the first half of 2025, continuing to pressure Airbus’s production targets. This is not investment advice.