Airbus is facing delays in its A350F freighter program due to supply chain issues, primarily related to fuselage production by Spirit AeroSystems. This has caused a setback of up to twelve months for the rollout of the A350F, which was initially set to enter service in 2026.
Spirit AeroSystems, a major aerostructure manufacturer with facilities worldwide, has been struggling financially. Last year, Boeing agreed to repurchase its former subsidiary, but this transaction hinges on Airbus taking over certain loss-making operations. Delays at Spirit have impacted Airbus’s plans to increase A350 production beyond six units per month through 2025.
Sources suggest that these delays could affect Airbus’s ability to meet its target of producing twelve A350s monthly by 2028. Reuters reported that Airbus may provide updates on both passenger and freighter aircraft production schedules when it announces its annual results later this week.
The demand for the new-generation Airbus A350F remains strong, as airlines seek more sustainable cargo options. At the end of January, Airbus had orders for sixty-three A350Fs from various airlines including Air France, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, and Singapore Airlines.
Despite being in a quiet period ahead of its financial announcements, Airbus has not commented on the situation publicly nor has Spirit AeroSystems. Industry observers hope for further guidance from Airbus regarding the A350 output and the status of the freighter program soon.
