Airbus is picking up speed on the production line, and one analyst firm is taking notice. MWB Research now expects the European planemaker to deliver roughly 235 commercial jets in the second quarter, a figure that would set a new company record. The estimate comes ahead of Airbus’ half-year report on July 21, and it has prompted MWB to raise its 2026 delivery forecast to 870 aircraft.
Record deliveries in sight
According to MWB Research, Airbus delivered 87 jets in June alone, bringing the quarterly total to around 235 units. That would beat the previous Q2 record of 227 deliveries set in 2019, before the pandemic disrupted global aviation. The strong pace marks a sharp turnaround from earlier this year, when investors worried that engine shortages and supply chain bottlenecks could force Airbus to trim its output targets.
For context, Airbus delivered 735 commercial aircraft in 2023 and has been targeting a gradual ramp-up to 870 deliveries per year by 2026. The company’s management has publicly stated that “around 870” is the goal, and MWB’s revised forecast now aligns with that ambition. The analyst firm’s upgrade suggests that the production snags that plagued the industry in recent years may be easing faster than expected.
Why delivery numbers matter
For planemakers like Airbus, delivery numbers are the single most important metric. Airlines pay the bulk of the purchase price when they take possession of a jet, so deliveries directly translate into revenue and cash flow. A strong delivery quarter can boost earnings and reassure investors that the company is on track to meet its long-term financial targets.
Conversely, delivery delays can signal deeper problems in the supply chain or production process. Earlier this year, some analysts had flagged risks that engine shortages—particularly for the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines used on the A320neo family—could slow output. The latest data from MWB suggests those concerns may be overblown, at least for now.
The delivery pace also has implications for Airbus’ order backlog, which stood at over 8,000 aircraft at the end of 2023. Faster deliveries mean shorter wait times for airlines, which could help Airbus win new orders and maintain its competitive edge over Boeing.
What it means for investors
For everyday investors, the news is a positive signal for Airbus’ near-term financial health. A record Q2 delivery number would likely translate into strong revenue and cash flow when the company reports half-year results on July 21. That could support the stock price, which has been volatile this year amid broader market uncertainty.
However, investors should keep an eye on the broader picture. The aerospace industry is still grappling with inflation in raw materials and labor costs, and any unexpected disruptions could still derail the ramp-up. MWB’s forecast is just one analyst’s view, and actual results could differ.
It’s also worth noting that delivery numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. Profit margins on each jet, aftermarket services revenue, and the mix of models delivered all matter for the bottom line. Investors will want to see not just how many planes Airbus delivered, but how profitable those deliveries were.
For those looking at the broader market, the delivery pace is a reminder that industrial companies can sometimes surprise on the upside when supply chains stabilize. Similar dynamics have played out in other sectors, such as the auto industry, where Rivian recently raised its 2026 delivery forecast on strong demand for its R2 SUV.
What to watch next
The key date is July 21, when Airbus releases its half-year financial report. Investors will be watching for official delivery numbers, any updates to the 2026 target, and commentary on supply chain conditions. If the company confirms the record Q2 pace and reiterates its 870-jet goal, it could reinforce confidence in the stock.
Another factor to watch is the competitive landscape. Boeing is still working through its own production and quality issues, and any further delays at its rival could give Airbus an opening to capture more market share. However, Boeing’s recovery could also mean more competition for orders and deliveries down the line.
For now, the takeaway is straightforward: Airbus appears to be hitting its stride, and analysts are taking notice. Whether that momentum holds through the rest of the year will depend on the company’s ability to keep the production line humming without new hiccups.
