Airbus lifts deliveries to 793 jets in 2025 as backlog hits new record, signalling sustained demand from global carriers

January 13, 2026 in Business, Companies, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Airbus closed 2025 with 793 aircraft deliveries and a record order backlog of 8,754 jets, reflecting strong global demand despite supply-chain setbacks. The surge in orders—especially for the A320 and A350 families—reinforces tightening delivery slots that will shape fleet-renewal decisions for African carriers. 

Airbus ended 2025 with stronger-than-expected delivery figures despite supply-chain strains, handing over 793 commercial aircraft—a 4pc increase from the previous year—and securing 1,000 gross orders as airlines continued to modernise fleets and expand long-term capacity. The performance pushed the manufacturer’s total backlog to a record 8,754 aircraft, including its highest-ever widebody tally of 1,124 units.

Data released in Toulouse on 12 January 2026 shows Airbus aircraft reaching 91 customers worldwide, underscoring steady demand across both mature and emerging markets. For African carriers—many of which are in renewal cycles after years of constrained investment—the sustained narrowbody and widebody appetite signals continuing global competition for delivery slots well into the next decade.

A320 Family stays dominant

The A320 Family once again anchored Airbus’ production output, rising to 607 deliveries in 2025, up slightly from 602 in 2024. Deliveries improved across the A220 (93 units) and A330 (36 units), while the A350 programme remained stable at 57 aircraft.

Programme Deliveries (2023–2025)
A220: 68 → 75 → 93
A320: 571 → 602 → 607
A330: 32 → 32 → 36
A350: 64 → 57 → 57
Total: 735 → 766 → 793

Order momentum outstrips output

The manufacturer booked 1,000 gross orders (889 net), including:
• 49 A220s
• 656 A320 Family jets
• 100 A330neos
• 2 A330 MRTTs
• 193 A350s

This delivered another year with a book-to-bill ratio above 1, confirming that demand continues to exceed production—an issue closely watched by African and Middle Eastern operators seeking delivery certainty in an increasingly congested order pipeline.

Supply-chain issues force revised target

In December, Airbus trimmed its 2025 delivery target from 820 to 790 aircraft after a supplier quality issue disrupted fuselage panel supplies for the A320 Family. Despite the setback, the manufacturer kept its financial guidance intact, maintaining expectations of €7.0 billion in EBIT Adjusted and €4.5 billion in free cash flow before customer financing. Final full-year results will be published on 19 February 2026.

Ramp-up plans remain intact

Airbus said its long-term production strategy remains unchanged, with key programmes scheduled to accelerate over the next three years:
• A320 Family—rate 75 per month by 2027
• A330—rate 5 by 2029
• A350—rate 12 by 2028
• A220—rate 12 in 2026

The company also marked several milestone deliveries through 2025, including the introduction of new A220, A321XLR, A330neo and A350-1000 operators—highlighting expanding appeal across regional, long-haul and ultra-long-haul markets.

For African carriers navigating renewal pressures, rising passenger demand, and increasingly competitive long-haul corridors, Airbus’ record backlog underscores a tightening aircraft market where early commitments remain essential.