Airbus has told some of its A350 customers to expect delivery delays later this decade as the European planemaker wrestles with supply chain issues, according to Reuters.
After speaking with several industry sources, Reuters reported on May 20, 2026, there were ongoing problems with the supply of fuselage components.
The disruptions centered on the former Spirit Aerosystems facility in North Carolina, which Airbus now owns following the breakup of the fuselage manufacturer.
Spirit Aerosystems was divided between Boeing and Airbus after the US plane maker decided to bring the company back under its ownership.
‘Transition hasn’t gone smoothly’
One source told Reuters that the “transition hasn’t gone smoothly” with issues around staffing and some employees choosing to work under Boeing.
In 2025, Airbus delivered 57 A350 widebodies and so far in 2026, the company has delivered 15 up to the end of April.
During Airbus’ annual conference in February 2026, the CEO, Guillaume Faury, said the company aims to deliver 12 A350s per month in 2028.
According to Reuters, Airbus is also facing difficulties with the A350 due to production disruptions of the cargo door. Airbus said delivery of the first aircraft remains scheduled for 2027.
In April 2026, Airbus announced that it had completed the manufacturing and assembly of the first main deck cargo door for the A350F freighter at its facility in Illescas, Spain.
The A350F main deck cargo door is the largest in the industry and features a 4.3-meter width clear opening and a 3.15-meter height clear opening.
Airbus is manufacturing two A350F aircraft for flight testing from 2026 to 2027.
