Airbus to delay the launch of its new A350 freighter model

Airbus hits breaks on new freighter launch: Airbus is postponing the launch of a new freighter version of its A350 jet — originally slated to enter service in 2026 — by up to a year on the back of persistent supply chain issues that have caused lags in deliveries of its wider A350 aircraft family, Reuters reports, citing industry sources. Airbus is scheduled to make an official announcement about the matter in its FY 2024 results tomorrow.

Regional players to feel the hit: The UAE’s Etihad Airways ordered three Airbus A350 next-generation freighters back in November, bringing its total orders of the A350 to 10, with deliveries slated for 2026. KSA’s PIF-owned Riyadh Air was also reportedly eyeing Airbus A350-1000 to meet its long-haul needs after purchasing 60 Airbus A321neos in October.

The hold-up: The delay is primarily due to a hold-up in deliveries of fuselage parts from leading parts provider Spirit AeroSystems, industry sources said, which could result in an informal cap on A350 production for the remainder of 2025.

REMEMBER- Spirit received up to USD 350 mn from Boeing and up to USD 107 mn from Airbus in advance payments back in November to help it stay afloat as it continued to burn through cash after four consecutive years of losses. Boeing is set to acquire Spirit AeroSystems, with Spirit’s shareholders approving the purchase agreement earlier this month. The acquisition is expected to close by mid-2025, subject to regulatory approvals.