Airbus SE designs, manufactures, and delivers aeronautics and aerospace products, services, and solutions worldwide. It operates through three segments: Airbus, Airbus Helicopters, and Airbus Defence and Space. The Airbus segment covers commercial jet passenger and freighter aircraft, regional turboprop aircraft, and aircraft components, along with aircraft conversion and related services. Airbus Helicopters develops, manufactures, markets, and sells civil and military helicopters and provides uncrewed aerial systems and related services. Airbus Defence and Space designs, develops, delivers, and supports crewed and uncrewed military air systems, as well as civil and defence space systems for telecommunications, earth observation, navigation, science, and orbital systems, plus services in data processing from platforms, secure communication, and cyber security. The company was formerly known as Airbus Group SE and changed its name to Airbus SE in April 2017. It was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Leiden, the Netherlands.
Airbus wins $9.35B China order, faces A380 crack checks and Embraer threat
▲
China Eastern $9.35B order Airbus won a $9.35 billion order from China Eastern for 25 A330neo widebody jets, with deliveries from 2029 to 2033. This boosts Airbus's backlog and cements its lead in China, where it has already booked over 200 orders this year. More orders mean more future revenue and profit, supporting the stock price.
This is the largest new order and directly boosts Airbus's revenue outlook.
▼
A380 wing crack inspections expand European regulators ordered extra wing inspections on 16 Airbus A380 jets after cracks were found. This adds cost and complexity for airlines still flying the aging superjumbo. Although production ended in 2021, the issue could hurt Airbus's reputation and lead to repair liabilities, weighing on the stock.
This is a new regulatory burden that could create costs and reputational damage.
▼
Embraer considers narrow-body challenge Embraer is weighing a bet-the-company move into narrow-body jets, directly challenging Airbus's A320 duopoly with Boeing. Airlines facing decade-long waits for A320s have approached Embraer. If Embraer proceeds, it could eventually erode Airbus's pricing power and market share, though any new jet is years away.
This is a new competitive threat that could alter the long-term narrow-body market.
▲
Space merger and supply deals Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales sought EU approval to merge their space units, aiming to compete with SpaceX. Separately, Airbus signed a long-term A220 insulation deal with 3M and sold up to six H145 helicopters to Armenia. These moves strengthen Airbus's space position and supply chain, supporting long-term growth.
These are new strategic and supply agreements that enhance Airbus's business portfolio.
Latest
▲3▼1
Airbus wins new orders but faces A321neo paint defect
▲
Chinese airlines order $17.8bn of Airbus jets Air China, Shenzhen Airlines and Hainan Airlines ordered 95 Airbus jets worth $17.8 billion at list prices, for delivery 2029–2032. This locks in years of future revenue and supports Airbus's production plans, a clear positive for the shares.
A large new order book addition directly supports future revenue and the investment case.
▼
Paint defect hits about 500 A321neo jets A supplier paint defect affects roughly 500 A321neo aircraft, including 250 still in production, requiring rework. Airbus says safety and delivery targets are unaffected, but the extra work could slow output and add cost, weighing on the stock.
This is a fresh operational problem that could disrupt supply and margins.
▲
Amazon shifts cargo fleet to Airbus A330 freighters Amazon will replace its Boeing 767 freighters with 30 Airbus A330 cargo jets, operated by ATSG from 2027. This is a high-profile win in the air-cargo market long dominated by Boeing, boosting Airbus's freighter credentials and future orders.
A major customer switching to Airbus expands its freighter market share.
▲
Thailand deepens Airbus partnership Thailand's prime minister discussed expanding cooperation with Airbus in aviation, space, clean energy and training, including a new Center of Excellence. Closer ties support future aircraft sales and regional influence, a modest positive for Airbus.
Government-level cooperation can lead to more orders and regional presence.
Q3 2026
▲2▼2
Airbus Q3: Strong Profit and Orders, but Defects and Challenges Loom
▲
Record Profit and Raised Targets Airbus's first-half profit jumped 47% to €2.24bn, driven by record second-quarter deliveries. The company raised its 2026 delivery target to 890-900 jets and announced a €5.8bn share buyback, signaling confidence in future cash flow.
This point highlights the core financial performance that directly supports the stock price.
▲
Major Orders and Global Expansion Airbus secured significant orders from China, Amazon, and others, boosting its backlog. It also opened a second assembly line in Tianjin, China, and progressed with the A350F freighter, nearing its first flight, which strengthens its product lineup and market position.
This point shows new demand and operational expansion that drive future revenue growth.
▼
Paint Defect on A321neo Jets A paint defect affecting roughly 500 A321neo jets was discovered, requiring repairs. This adds unexpected costs and could disrupt deliveries, potentially hurting customer relations and near-term financial performance.
This point identifies a new operational issue that could weigh on the stock.
▼
Space Unit Charges and Strategic Review Airbus's US space unit is loss-making and being shopped after €989m in charges. This reflects challenges in the space business, diverting management attention and potentially leading to further write-downs or restructuring costs.
This point highlights a financial drag and strategic uncertainty that could negatively impact investor sentiment.
News & notes movingAIR.PA
European UnionUnited States
Aerospace & Aviation
Airbus Delivers 72 Aircraft in September, Recovering from Delays, but New Quality Issue Emerges on A330
Airbus delivered 72 aircraft in September, a figure nearly matching the 73 delivered in the same month a year earlier, according to industry sources. If confirmed, that would exceed the mid-to-high 60s analysts had expected and top Jefferies' estimate of 68. The unexpected recovery comes amid concerns over recent manufacturing defects involving A321neo parts and system-wide delays caused by shortages of components such as engines. Meeting the year-end target of about 870 aircraft will require record deliveries in the fourth quarter, and Lars Wagner, CEO of the commercial aircraft division, said this week he is "very confident." Meanwhile, Airbus disclosed that it has advised airlines to check A330 aircraft for foreign objects after tools were found in the horizontal tail of planes earlier this year, which has delayed deliveries. The recommendation covers aircraft delivered between January 2021 and July this year, amounting to 160 planes, including 15 MRTT military aerial refueling and transport aircraft, according to Cirium data.
PM discusses Airbus support for investment and aerospace technology transfer
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held talks with Wouter van Wersch, Executive Vice President for International Affairs at Airbus, and Bert Porteman, a representative of Airbus Thailand, on ways to upgrade and expand cooperation between Thailand and Airbus in the aviation industry, space technology, human resource development, and clean energy. The Prime Minister affirmed the policy of promoting the aviation industry and future industries, and asked Airbus to consider broadening cooperation to cover more areas by building on the cooperation models the company has with other countries and extending them to Thailand. On clean energy, the Prime Minister proposed that Airbus promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, produced in Thailand, using Thai raw materials and agricultural output as part of the production chain. In addition, Airbus plans to establish a Center of Excellence in Thailand as a hub for developing knowledge, technology, and personnel, linking Airbus's global network to Thailand. The Prime Minister also proposed expanding cooperation in space technology and security, building on existing cooperation with the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, or GISTDA, and Thaicom Public Company Limited, as well as discussing cooperation with Thai Airways International Public Company Limited to support the goal of pushing Thailand to become the region's aviation hub.
AIR.PA · Demand · Positive Airbus is expanding cooperation with Thailand across aviation, space technology, personnel development, and clean energy, including establishing a Center of Excellence in Thailand.
THAI.BK · Demand · Positive Airbus and Thai officials discussed cooperation with Thai Airways to support Thailand's goal of becoming the region's aviation hub, implying potential business for the airline.
THCOM.BK · Demand · Positive Airbus plans to expand space technology cooperation building on existing work with GISTDA and Thaicom, signaling potential new business for the satellite operator.
FAA Delays Certification of Boeing 737 MAX 10 Over Software Issues, Boeing Shares Fall 6.9%
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, announced it is delaying certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 until flight software issues are resolved, sending Boeing shares down 6.9% on concerns over delayed deliveries, the latest setback in the planemaker's efforts. The FAA said this version of the software could increase pilot workload during the go-around maneuver, the moment when pilots abort a landing attempt, add engine power and climb back into the sky to prepare for another landing attempt. Brian Bedford, an FAA official, told reporters at Reagan Washington National Airport that certification of the MAX 10 would be delayed until he is satisfied there are no further problems on this point, and declined to predict how long the delay would last. The FAA's review will assess whether the software constitutes an unacceptable safety risk, which could add several more months of fixes before the MAX 10 is certified, a milestone originally expected in October. Meanwhile, Boeing said on Saturday that a software problem affecting some 737 MAX aircraft could prevent the automatic flight system from working during landings in certain specific situations, and that it has notified airlines and is developing a software update to permanently fix the issue. The MAX 10 is a key aircraft in Boeing's effort to win back market share from Airbus in the highly lucrative single-aisle jet market.
BA · Regulation · Negative FAA delays certification of the 737 MAX 10 over software safety concerns, threatening delivery timelines.
BA · Technology · Negative Boeing disclosed a software problem affecting some 737 MAX aircraft that can disable the automatic flight system during certain landings.
AIR.PA · Competition · Positive Boeing's MAX 10 certification delay is a setback in its effort to win single-aisle market share from Airbus.
European UnionItalyFranceGermanyUnited KingdomSpain
Aerospace & Aviation▼
Airbus A321neo paint defect affects about 500 aircraft
Airbus and Italy's Leonardo are investigating a defect that arose at an unlisted paint company, and a quality alert has been issued affecting about 500 of Airbus's best-selling A321neo jets, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. The defect came to light when Airbus engineers stripped paint from fuselage components and found gaps in the protective primer underneath. According to the sources, engineering teams from Airbus and Leonardo are now working at TESI, a paint supplier that is a subcontractor to Leonardo, to support remediation work and to determine the cause of the problem, which has not yet been identified. Analysts say the issue relates to reinforcing rods called stringers in part of the A321neo's forward fuselage. Airbus said about 500 aircraft are affected, including 250 at various stages of production, but that there is no impact on safety. It has also not changed its delivery targets.
AIR.PA · Supply · Negative Paint defect at supplier TESI affects about 500 A321neo jets, including 250 in production, requiring remediation work.
TESI · Supply · Negative TESI, the paint supplier and Leonardo subcontractor, is where the primer defect arose and is the focus of remediation and cause investigation.
0ONG.LSE · Supply · Negative Leonardo's subcontractor TESI produced the defective primer on A321neo fuselages, and Leonardo engineering teams are involved in remediation.
Boeing Tells Suppliers to Abandon Manual Methods for Automation
Boeing Co. has told its suppliers they must shift away from traditional manual processes as the airplane manufacturer works to increase production rates. Chief Technology Officer Lane Ballard said at an industry event on Wednesday that the aerospace sector needs to transition from its historical approach to modern manufacturing techniques, noting that aerospace used to be a craftsman business that was hand-built and hand-riveted. Ballard said suppliers need to understand they must move away from craftsman thinking and become versed in autonomy, and that Boeing and its suppliers require engineers with expertise in software, autonomy, artificial intelligence and rapid design-to-manufacturing processes. Boeing and competitor Airbus SE are working to increase production to address large order backlogs, though both face supply chain bottlenecks affecting key components. Increasing 737 Max production rates remains important for Boeing as it works to reduce debt and compete with Airbus in the single-aisle aircraft market, and Ballard said the industry will need approximately 40,000 commercial airplanes over the next 20 years. Last week, Boeing Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg said the company needs more time to stabilize 737 production at 47 planes per month, citing challenges in in-house wing production, but added that the supply chain is in pretty good shape to move to the next rate next year.
Qantas to launch direct Sydney–New York flights in mid-2028
Qantas, Australia's largest airline, announced on the 23rd that it will launch direct flights linking Sydney, the country's largest city, with New York on the US East Coast in mid-2028. The direct route will be its second ultra-long-haul service, following the planned Sydney–London direct flight scheduled to begin in October 2027. Qantas currently connects Sydney and New York via Auckland, New Zealand. The new direct service will use Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft fitted with additional fuel tanks, covering just over 16,000 kilometers in about 18 hours, cutting more than three hours off the connecting route. Ticket sales will begin in August 2027.
AIR.PA · Demand · Positive Qantas will use Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft for its new Sydney–New York ultra-long-haul route, a concrete order for Airbus's product.
RTX CEO Touts $289 Billion Backlog, Sees Growth to $460.5 Billion by 2028
RTX CEO Chris Calio highlighted the company's record $289 billion backlog, or remaining performance obligations, at the Morgan Stanley 14th Annual Laguna Conference last week, pointing to potential growth toward a Wall Street consensus of $460.5 billion by the end of 2028. Calio said the $289 billion RPO at the end of the second quarter does not include the recently awarded $22.9 billion seven-year Tomahawk cruise missile order or the five framework agreements RTX made with the Department of Defense in February, of which he said volumes will rise anywhere from 2 to 4x. The current RPO is split between $170 billion in commercial aerospace and $119 billion in defense, with only 25% set to be recognized in the next 12 months, and Calio noted that approximately 45% of the RPO relates to long-term commercial aerospace maintenance contracts at Pratt & Whitney expected to be realized over a span of up to 20 years. Calio also cited strength in orders across commercial aerospace original equipment, commercial aerospace aftermarket, and defense, noting that Boeing and Airbus have a 15,000 aircraft backlog to execute on and that demand for integrated air and missile defense is top of mind for every country around the world.
RTX · Demand · Positive RTX touts a record $289B backlog plus a $22.9B Tomahawk order and DoD framework agreements with volumes rising 2-4x, signaling strong product demand.
AIR.PA · Demand · Positive RTX points to Airbus's 15,000 aircraft backlog as evidence of strong commercial aerospace OE demand, implying continued orders for Airbus.
BA · Demand · Positive RTX cites Boeing's 15,000 aircraft backlog as evidence of strong commercial aerospace OE demand, implying continued orders for Boeing.
Amazon to Replace Boeing 767 Fleet With 30 Airbus A330 Freighters by 2027
Amazon.com plans to transition its air cargo fleet from Boeing 767 aircraft to Airbus A330 freighters, with Air Transport Services Group set to acquire and convert 30 Airbus A330 jets to support Amazon's air network. ATSG expects to begin operating the Airbus A330 cargo aircraft for Amazon in 2027 as part of the refreshed fleet. The switch gives Amazon access to larger, more modern cargo aircraft that can carry more volume per flight than the 767s they replace, potentially reshaping how the retailer positions inventory for Prime and marketplace orders, especially on longer domestic and transcontinental routes where aircraft range and payload matter most. The move marks a key shift in Amazon's air logistics strategy and lines up with the company's broader thesis of heavy capital spending on logistics and data centers as a trade off for efficiency and future return potential. The clearest proof point will arrive as ATSG starts flying the A330s in 2027, when Amazon discloses how much of its parcel volume flows through the new jets versus legacy aircraft and third party carriers, along with any commentary on unit costs per package or delivery speed.
Thai Airways is signalling continued profit growth in 2026, with Chai Eamsiri, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, or THAI, revealing that the company expects full-year total revenue to potentially exceed 200 billion baht, after the first half of the year brought in nearly 100 billion baht, or approximately 99 billion baht, along with a profit of about 12 billion baht. At the same time, its liquidity position remains a strength, with more than 120 billion baht in cash on hand, up from the second quarter. The company is pressing ahead with managing its fleet of 87 aircraft to capture opportunities from regional low-cost carriers facing liquidity constraints and cutting services on certain routes. It plans to add Boeing 787 aircraft to the fleet and to return one existing aircraft that has been refurbished and fitted with seats to service on medium-haul routes. In the Asian market, particularly China, India, and Vietnam, it is preparing to add Airbus A321 aircraft. On fuel price risk management, for the remainder of 2026 the company has already hedged more than 40%, and for 2027 it has hedged about 48%. Kittiphong Sansomboon, Chief Commercial Officer, said that in the winter flight schedule for 2026/2027, running from October 25, 2026 to March 27, 2027, Thai Airways will operate a total of 66 routes, launching a new Bangkok–Da Nang route with 14 flights per week starting December 1, 2026, while increasing frequency on the Bangkok–Vientiane and Bangkok–Yangon routes to 21 flights per week per route, Bangkok–Siem Reap to 7 flights per week, Bangkok–Amsterdam to 7 flights per week, Bangkok–Munich to 10 flights per week, Bangkok–Zurich to 11 flights per week, Bangkok–Paris to 14 flights per week, and resuming service on the Bangkok–Xiamen route with 4 flights per week.
Vietnamese and US companies to announce 29 agreements during Lam's visit to the United States
A series of agreements between US and Vietnamese companies in sectors including energy, technology, aviation and finance are expected to be announced next week to coincide with the New York visit of Vietnam's top leader, Communist Party General Secretary and State President To Lam. The plans were revealed by officials and documents obtained by Reuters. An internal planning document lists 29 agreements that could be announced at a business conference in New York on the 23rd, which Lam will also attend. The contents of the document are subject to change, and it does not set out the specific details of the planned agreements. US energy companies Murphy Oil and Chevron are expected to announce agreements with Vietnamese state oil and gas company PetroVietnam, while ExxonMobil is expected to announce an agreement with PetroVietnam Refinery and Petrochemical, Vietnam's second-largest refinery. Vietjet, Vietnam's largest private airline, is expected to announce it will lease up to 22 aircraft from four leasing companies, comprising 17 Boeing 737s and five Airbus A321neos. SpaceX is also set to announce an agreement to provide its Starlink satellite internet service to 120 Vietjet aircraft. The planning document also includes an agreement between US-based Meta and Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, and one between US semiconductor giant Qualcomm and Vietnamese telecom company VNPT. Visa, Mastercard and Citibank are also expected to announce agreements with partners in Vietnam's domestic financial and hospitality services sectors.
PetroVietnam · Demand · Positive PetroVietnam is expected to sign agreements with US energy firms Murphy Oil and Chevron.
VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company · Demand · Positive Vietjet is expected to lease up to 22 aircraft (17 Boeing 737s, 5 Airbus A321neos) and equip 120 jets with Starlink.
MUR · Demand · Positive Murphy Oil is expected to announce an agreement with Vietnam's PetroVietnam, a concrete new business deal.
QCOM · Demand · Positive Qualcomm is expected to announce an agreement with Vietnamese telecom company VNPT.
SPCX · Demand · Positive SpaceX is set to announce an agreement to provide Starlink satellite internet to 120 Vietjet aircraft.
XOM · Demand · Positive ExxonMobil is expected to announce an agreement with PetroVietnam Refinery and Petrochemical, Vietnam's second-largest refinery.
Airbus delivers first A320neo from new Tianjin assembly line to China Eastern
Airbus delivered the first A320neo assembled at its new plant in Tianjin, China, on September 16. The plant is a final assembly line, or FAL, for the A320 family and is Airbus's second aircraft assembly line in both China and the Asia-Pacific region. The recipient was China Eastern Airlines, which currently operates the largest Airbus fleet in China and took delivery of the A310, the first Airbus aircraft in China, in 1985. Philippe Mhun, Airbus Executive Vice President for Commercial Aircraft Programmes and Services, said the delivery underscores Airbus's long-term commitment to its partners in China and its confidence in the continued growth of China's civil aviation market. The second assembly line in China, which began operations in October 2025, will be a key driver in accelerating the global production rate of the A320 family toward the target of 75 aircraft per month, while adding flexibility and capacity to meet strong market demand.
AIR.PA · Supply · Positive Airbus opened a second Tianjin final assembly line, adding capacity to accelerate A320 family production toward 75 per month.
600115.CG · Supply · Positive China Eastern received the first A320neo from Airbus's new Tianjin final assembly line, expanding its fleet supply.
Latvia's flag carrier AirBaltic voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New York on Sept. 14, the biggest aviation bankruptcy since Spirit Airlines collapsed in May 2026. The filing came despite the airline securing more than €257 million in short-term funds earlier in September, and it gives AirBaltic temporary respite from creditors as it secures €350 million of debtor-in-possession financing from lenders including Strategic Value Partners, Barclays and Morgan Stanley at a Secured Overnight Financing Rate of 8%. Local bondholders with over 70% of the value of the debt refused additional loans, and the airline continues to seek an investor as it looks to reduce its fleet of 50 Airbus A220-300 planes and restructure its debts. AirBaltic, which flies to over 80 European and Middle Eastern destinations, said the process is expected to last until June 2027 and will not affect flights, with reservations and ticket sales going on as scheduled. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs called the solution one of the best options for ensuring the airline's viability.
airBaltic · Capital · Negative AirBaltic voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New York despite securing €257M in short-term funds.
BARC.LSE · Capital · Positive Barclays is among lenders providing €350M debtor-in-possession financing to AirBaltic at an 8% SOFR-based rate.
MS · Capital · Positive Morgan Stanley is among lenders providing €350M debtor-in-possession financing to AirBaltic at an 8% SOFR-based rate.
Strategic Value Partners, LLC · Capital · Positive Strategic Value Partners is among lenders providing €350M debtor-in-possession financing to AirBaltic.
AIR.PA · Demand · Neutral AirBaltic plans to reduce its fleet of 50 Airbus A220-300 planes, implying potential lost orders for Airbus.
Bank of France chief says economy is not in crisis but deficit cuts are needed
Bank of France Governor Moulin said on the 11th that the French economy is not facing a catastrophic crisis, but the government needs to work on reducing the fiscal deficit. His remarks followed the national statistics agency's downward revision of its outlook for the French economy on the 10th, which forecast growth of just 0.4% this year; Moulin cited factors including a deadly heatwave and problems at European aviation giant Airbus. Speaking on RTL radio, Moulin said, "I wouldn't say we are in crisis, but the situation is worrying and unsatisfactory," adding, "We need to reduce the fiscal deficit." At the same time, he stressed that "not everything is catastrophic," noting that energy is cheap, the economy is diversified, and industry is picking up in promising sectors such as data centers, defense, and aerospace.
Maybank partners with KTB to launch DR80 capturing 3 global megatrends
Maybank, in partnership with Krungthai Bank, has launched a new set of DR80 depositary receipts, which are now available for trading. These cover three investment megatrends: the industries of the future, the growth of AI, and investment opportunities in China. DR80s are instruments representing rights to foreign securities, allowing Thai investors to access leading global companies through the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Under the future industries theme, the DRs include Airbus and Palantir Technologies. The AI Supercycle theme comprises Ajinomoto, Applied Materials, and Intel. Meanwhile, the China theme features index-linked DRs such as CH30080, CHAI80, CHNEXT80, and CHSTAR5080. This initiative reflects Maybank and Krungthai's commitment to expanding investment opportunities into the global market.
Southern Vision Investment Becomes Strategic Investor in AVi8 Airways
Southern Vision Investment has become a strategic investor in AVi8 Airways, a startup ACMI and charter airline serving the Asia-Pacific region, forming a long-term partnership to support AVi8's growth across Southeast Asia. The investment establishes SVI as a committed, long-horizon financial partner as AVi8 builds toward the launch of operations, with full terms to be disclosed later in official filings. AVi8 plans to introduce Airbus A320-family aircraft for passenger and charter services, along with A321F and A330F freighters for cargo, targeting a commercial launch in 2027, beginning with cargo before expanding passenger services. The airline intends to apply for an Air Operator Certificate in Cambodia and establish an operational hub in Phnom Penh, aiming to become one of Southeast Asia's leading ACMI and charter platforms.
AVi8 Airways · Capital · Positive Southern Vision Investment becomes a strategic long-horizon investor, funding AVi8's growth toward its 2027 launch.
Southern Vision Investment (SVI Group) · Capital · Positive SVI makes a strategic investment in AVi8 Airways, establishing itself as a committed financial partner.
AIR.PA · Demand · Positive AVi8 Airways plans to introduce Airbus A320-family aircraft plus A321F and A330F freighters, a concrete order intent for Airbus.
United StatesPortugalAustriaNetherlandsFranceIcelandSpainJapan
AIR.PA▲
American Airlines Adds Seven International Routes Using Airbus A321XLR
American Airlines Group Inc. announced seven new international routes for its summer 2027 schedule, most flown on its Airbus A321XLR, as it seeks to expand into higher-margin markets. New destinations include Philadelphia to Porto and Vienna, JFK to Amsterdam and Nice, a returning Reykjavik route, and Charlotte-Barcelona and Chicago-Tokyo Narita on widebody jets. Brian Znotins, American's SVP of network and schedule planning, said the XLR "really opens up the menu for all these destinations that are just too small for a widebody." The announcement came the same week rival United Airlines unveiled its own 2027 international additions. American's flying is split roughly 80% domestic and 20% international.
Airbus sets Thailand as global testing base for Skywise software
Airbus is set to elevate Thailand into Asia's aviation digital hub, using Bangkok as the regional headquarters for Skywise, its digital unit, covering ASEAN, China, India, Japan, and South Korea, and as the sole software testing base for customers worldwide. The company plans to hire over 40 more staff this year, in addition to its current workforce of over 200 in Thailand, which has more than tripled since 2022, with 85 percent being Thai nationals. This expansion is part of Airbus's efforts to diversify its supply chain amid supply chain issues and geopolitical conflicts. The company already has about 80 suppliers in Thailand and views the country's neutrality and quality of its workforce as strengths. Meanwhile, the Board of Investment (BOI) and Airbus are also discussing advancing the automotive parts industry into aircraft parts, developing MRO personnel, and promoting Thailand as a production base for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using ethanol and agricultural waste materials.
AIR.PA · Demand · Positive Airbus expands Skywise digital unit in Thailand as regional HQ and sole global software testing base, hiring 40+ staff and deepening its local supplier/operations footprint.
Airbus is gauging interest from prospective buyers for its U.S. space business, according to The Financial Times, as part of a broader strategy to create a new pan-European entity to better compete with Elon Musk's SpaceX and Chinese rivals. The unit, which operates a factory in Florida and produces the Arrow family of small satellites, is estimated to generate several hundred million dollars in annual sales, though Airbus does not publicly disclose its revenue. The Merritt Island facility employs more than 200 people, a fraction of the 11,000 workers in Airbus's global space operations. The divestment plans are separate from the proposed Bromo joint venture with Italy's Leonardo and France's Thales, which aims to rival Starlink and Chinese players. Airbus declined to comment on market rumors, but the sale comes as the company seeks to revive its underperforming space business, which incurred €989 million in charges in 2024.
United StatesNetherlandsIrelandLuxembourgSpainFrance
Aerospace & Aviation▲
United Airlines A321XLR Expansion Targets European Growth
United Airlines Holdings, Inc. expects to receive enough Airbus A321XLR aircraft to support its European expansion in summer 2027, planning to use the long-range single-aisle jets on five new European routes, including Luxembourg, Ibiza, and Toulouse, as part of its largest international expansion to date covering 10 new cities across Europe and Asia. The A321XLR allows United to serve smaller international markets that may not justify larger widebody aircraft, with international service beginning December 1, 2026, from Washington Dulles to Amsterdam and Dublin, while gradually replacing its aging Boeing 757 fleet. European travel demand remains "incredibly strong," with the post-Labor Day slowdown becoming less pronounced, and eight of the 10 new routes will be exclusive among U.S. carriers, potentially giving United a competitive advantage. CEO Scott Kirby expects fares to rise gradually in the first half of 2027, and Reuters reported U.S. airline fares up 25.5% year over year in July, though still below pre-pandemic levels after inflation. Risks include aircraft-delivery delays, potential capacity growth outpacing demand, seasonal demand fluctuations, and fuel price volatility, but the overall outlook is bullish for United's international growth and fleet modernization.
United Airlines CEO Sees Strong Demand and Gradually Rising Fares in 2027
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expects airfares to keep rising gradually in 2027 as travel demand remains strong, with U.S. airline fares up 25.5% from a year earlier in July and average fares from April through July nearly 25% higher than the same period last year. Kirby noted that inflation-adjusted fares are still about 13% below pre-pandemic levels, suggesting airlines have room to raise prices without deterring travelers. United plans to expand internationally in 2027, expecting enough Airbus A321XLR aircraft to support five new European routes, allowing it to serve smaller markets without larger planes. The airline's pricing power, premium and international traffic, and expansion could boost revenue, but risks include fuel price increases, economic weakness, and capacity growth outpacing demand. Aircraft-delivery delays could also disrupt the planned expansion.
Alleima Deepens Airbus Partnership with Longest Commitment
Alleima has strengthened its long-standing partnership with Airbus, establishing the longest commitment period in their shared history to supply advanced titanium seamless tube solutions for demanding aerospace applications. The agreement deepens and expands Alleima's contribution to Airbus programs, complementing its existing stainless steel tube deliveries, and reflects decades of trust and technical cooperation. Alleima, a partner to Airbus since its inception, has supplied aerospace-grade alloys and seamless tubes for over 70 years, supporting safety, performance, and sustainability goals. The collaboration underscores Alleima's role in de-risking critical value chains, with production from mills in the U.S., Germany, and China, supported by an integrated mill in Sandviken, Sweden. Executives Carl von Schantz and Phil Cherrie highlighted the value of qualified production routes and material expertise in meeting stringent aerospace specifications.
0ABJ.LSE · Demand · Positive Deepens Airbus partnership with longest commitment to supply titanium seamless tubes, expanding demand for Alleima's products.
AIR.PA · Supply · Positive Strengthened partnership with Alleima ensures reliable supply of advanced titanium tubes for Airbus programs, de-risking critical value chains.
Qantas Expects Profit Decline in FY2026 Due to High Fuel Costs, Accelerates A380 Retirement
Australia's major airline Qantas reported its fiscal 2026 results (July 2025-June 2026), with underlying profit before tax falling 14% year-on-year to A$2.06 billion (US$1.48 billion) due to soaring fuel costs, slightly beating market expectations of A$2 billion. CEO Hudson said that while travel demand remained strong, a surge in fuel costs amid the Middle East conflict reduced second-half profit by A$420 million. The company responded with fare increases, cuts to domestic capacity, and redeployment of aircraft to more profitable international routes, but only partially offset the impact of higher fuel costs. Although tensions in the Middle East have eased, the company expects jet fuel prices to remain high in the first half of fiscal 2027, with net fuel costs projected at around A$3.6 billion, significantly above the A$2.6 billion in the same period last year. Meanwhile, total unit revenue for domestic and international operations in the first half of fiscal 2027 is expected to rise 8-10%, both above the average forecast. Qantas also announced it will begin retiring its Airbus A380 superjumbos in 2028, four years earlier than originally planned, and said it is in talks with Airbus and Boeing to convert options for 20 A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft into firm orders from 2030 onward. Hudson noted that maintenance costs for the A380 are rising as production has ceased. The company declared a final dividend of A$0.198 per share, and decided to cancel its A$150 million share buyback announced in February, which had not been started due to the outbreak of the Middle East conflict.
United Adds 10 International Routes With Airbus A321XLR
United Airlines Holdings Inc. will add destinations in Europe and Asia to its network next year, using Airbus SE's new long-range narrow-body planes. The carrier will fly the A321XLR planes from its Newark hub to locations including Luxembourg and Marseille, and from San Francisco to Okinawa, Japan.
Airbus tentatively sets first test flight of A350F freighter for late September
European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has tentatively set the first test flight of its delayed A350F freighter for late September. According to industry sources, the development team is prioritising September 24, though the date could shift depending on last-minute technical issues or weather. Airbus aims to complete flight testing and deliver the first aircraft to customers by 2027, and because flight testing typically takes 12 to 15 months, it faces a very tight certification schedule. The A350F, announced in 2021, is a dedicated freighter version of the long-range A350 jetliner family that was targeted to enter service four years later, as Airbus seeks to break into the air cargo market long dominated by US rival Boeing. Airbus has sold 107 A350F aircraft, compared with just 38 sales of the smaller, older A330F model.
AIR.PA · Technology · Positive Airbus tentatively schedules first test flight of its A350F freighter, advancing its entry into the air cargo market.
BA · Competition · Negative Airbus's A350F freighter progresses toward certification, intensifying competition in the air cargo market long dominated by Boeing.
American Airlines to boost premium seats to 40% and add seat-back screens
American Airlines is retrofitting its Airbus A319s and A320s with extra first-class seats and will take delivery of Boeing 737 MAX 10s fitted with 24 first-class seats, increasing its premium seat share from 25% to 40%. The carrier is also returning seat-back screens to its aircraft, aligning with rivals Delta and United and creating additional ad revenue opportunities. CEO Robert Isom said premium revenue continues to outpace non-premium, with passenger unit revenue in the premium segment up 13.4% in the second quarter versus 8.8% in the main cabin. COO Nathaniel Pieper added that progress across customer experience, network, premium revenue, and loyalty gives confidence in long-term value creation. American Airlines shares are down for a third straight day with a cumulative loss of 6%.
Airbus Faces Regulatory Scrutiny After Rare A320 Triple Hydraulic Failure
Airbus is working with Indian authorities after an Air India Airbus A320 experienced a rare simultaneous triple hydraulic failure mid-flight, causing brief loss of control and passenger injuries. Initial findings from the joint probe with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau indicate no human error, and regulators have called for technical inspections of affected systems. The incident has drawn closer regulatory scrutiny of Airbus A320 hydraulic systems and raised questions about potential safety and reputational risks for the company. Investors are monitoring whether regulators treat this as an isolated technical anomaly or a systemic concern leading to broader inspections, retrofits, or operating limits for parts of the A320 fleet.
ATI Lifts Full-Year Guidance on Record Contracted Backlog
ATI raised its full-year guidance after reporting higher year-over-year sales and earnings for the second quarter on August 6, 2026, citing a record contracted backlog. The company’s recent long-term contract expansions with Boeing and Airbus lock in higher volumes, inflation pass-through, and attractive pricing, supporting higher-margin revenue growth through the decade. ATI’s shares have surged 91.14% year to date, with the last close at $227.84, above a widely followed fair value estimate of $200.33 based on a 7.9% discount rate. The stock’s rapid gains and record backlog have prompted debate over whether the current valuation still offers upside or already reflects the improved outlook.
Loar raises 2026 outlook after record Q2 sales and margin
Loar Holdings raised its full-year 2026 guidance after reporting record second-quarter sales, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin. Second-quarter sales rose 17% year over year to $172 million, while adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 220 basis points to a record 40.5%. The company now expects 2026 sales of $665 million to $675 million, adjusted EBITDA of $265 million to $270 million, and adjusted earnings per share of $1.32 to $1.36, up from prior guidance of $1.26 to $1.30. Commercial OEM sales led growth, increasing 28%, supported by stronger Boeing and Airbus demand. Loar also reported its organic business pipeline reached approximately $750 million over the next five years, including $200 million of opportunities already secured through certifications, qualifications or purchase orders.
Honeywell Aerospace reports second quarter results and updates 2026 outlook
Honeywell Aerospace reported second quarter sales of $4.5 billion, up 5% year over year on both a reported and organic basis, and revised its full-year 2026 guidance downward. Net income fell 70% to $256 million, while adjusted EBIT declined 7% to $995 million, including roughly $100 million in separation-related costs and inventory obsolescence charges. The company, which completed its spin-off from Honeywell Technologies on June 29, now expects full-year organic sales growth of 4% to 5%, down from a prior range of 7% to 9%, and pro forma standalone adjusted EBIT of $4.35 billion to $4.45 billion, compared with the earlier $4.65 billion to $4.75 billion. It initiated full-year pro forma standalone adjusted earnings per share guidance of $7.60 to $7.90 and maintained its second-half free cash flow guidance of $1.0 billion to $1.5 billion. Backlog grew 9% to $18.2 billion, and the company highlighted $15 billion in new wins year to date, including a landmark avionics and power systems agreement with IndiGo for 810 Airbus A320neo family aircraft.
Aerospace & Aviation › Avionics & Aircraft Systems ▼Demand
HONA · Capital · Negative Honeywell Aerospace reported lower sales growth, a 70% drop in net income, and reduced full-year guidance, reflecting operational and cost challenges.
InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) · Demand · Positive IndiGo's landmark order for 810 Airbus A320neo aircraft with Honeywell systems indicates strong fleet expansion and demand for its services.
AIR.PA · Demand · Positive Airbus benefits from the IndiGo order for 810 A320neo aircraft, which includes Honeywell avionics and power systems, boosting demand for its aircraft.
HON · Capital · Negative Honeywell International is the parent that spun off Honeywell Aerospace; the aerospace unit's weak results and guidance cut negatively affect the parent's overall performance.
Airbus Raises 2029 EBIT Guidance and Launches €5.8 Billion Buyback
Airbus has raised its 2029 adjusted EBIT guidance and launched a €5.8 billion share buyback program while reporting higher second-quarter sales and net income. The company’s shares trade at €208.0, with a 90-day return of 10.34% and a five-year total shareholder return of 96.87%. A user-generated fair value estimate of €231.41 suggests the stock may be about 10.1% undervalued, though bears argue the positive news is already priced in. New orders include Philippine Airlines’ A350-1000 agreement in July 2026, and bulls highlight the company’s extreme entry barriers, high switching costs, and strong demand visibility as a backlog-driven duopoly.
European Stocks Close Higher, Boosted by Bank and Industrial Earnings
European stocks closed higher on Thursday, with the Stoxx 600 index rising 0.77% to 649.95 points, supported by strong earnings from companies across multiple sectors. The banking sector led gains, climbing 2.6%, driven by Spain's BBVA which surged around 5% after reporting a more than 11% year-on-year increase in second-quarter net profit. Construction and materials stocks added 2.2%, with Bouygues jumping 7.1% after first-half operating profit beat expectations. Industrial stocks rose 1.8%, buoyed by Schneider Electric which soared 10% after raising its full-year outlook. France's CAC-40 closed at 8,485.64 points, up 0.92%, Germany's DAX ended at 25,612.03 points, up 0.60%, while London's FTSE 100 slipped 0.10% to 10,897.27 points. However, gains were capped by declines in Airbus and Rentokil, as well as uncertainty over the US interest rate path after the Federal Reserve held rates steady amid differing views within the committee.
Airbus hints at up to 890 aircraft deliveries for full-year target, second-quarter profit up 54%
European aerospace giant Airbus on the 29th gave a bullish outlook for its full-year 2026 aircraft delivery target, suggesting it could reach up to around 890 units, up from the previous target of about 870. Second-quarter results saw adjusted operating profit rise 54% year-on-year to 2.43 billion euros, with revenue up 28% to 20.53 billion euros, beating market expectations. CEO Guillaume Faury struck a conciliatory tone regarding relations with Pratt & Whitney, a unit of US-based RTX, with which Airbus had been at odds over engine supply delays, and said there would be no issues for 2026. Second-quarter aircraft deliveries hit a quarterly record of 237 units, helped by improvements in delays to China and engine supply problems. The full-year outlook was maintained, including existing targets such as adjusted operating profit of 7.5 billion euros.
Airbus first-half profit jumps 47% on higher deliveries
Airbus reported a 47 percent jump in first-half net income to 2.24 billion euros, driven by a 12 percent rise in revenue to 33.18 billion euros. Adjusted EBIT increased 24 percent to 2.73 billion euros, while reported EBIT climbed 70 percent to 2.75 billion euros. Earnings per share rose to 2.84 euros from 1.93 euros a year earlier. Research and development expenses grew 4 percent to 1.46 billion euros.
Airbus A350 completes nonstop flight from Australia to France in over 24 hours
Airbus announced that its in-development A350 has completed a nonstop flight from Melbourne, Australia, to Toulouse, France, in 24 hours and 24 minutes. The test flight was part of Qantas' Project Sunrise, with a specially modified A350-1000ULR flying 23,075 kilometres, carrying 20,000 litres of fuel in additional tanks, and capable of seating 238 passengers. According to Flightradar24, the flight was tracked by more than 3.6 million people, making it the second most tracked flight in the service's history. Qantas has ordered 12 of the aircraft and plans to begin daily nonstop service between Sydney and London starting in October 2027.
Qantas Airways Limited · Demand · Positive Qantas ordered 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft for nonstop Sydney-London service starting 2027, expanding its long-haul network.
AIR.PA · Demand · Positive Successful test flight of A350-1000ULR for Qantas' Project Sunrise demonstrates product capability and secures order of 12 aircraft.
Aerospace Manufacturing Profits Outpace Airlines as Fortune Global 500 Aviation Landscape Shifts
The 2026 Fortune Global 500 list shows that aerospace manufacturers generally posted higher profits than airlines. GE Aerospace topped all aviation companies on the list with a net profit of 8.704 billion US dollars, earning over 3 billion dollars more than the world’s most profitable airline, Emirates Group. Airbus recorded a net profit of 5.889 billion dollars, up 28.7 percent year on year. Boeing returned to profitability with a net profit of 2.235 billion dollars, and its revenue surpassed that of Airbus. Honeywell posted a net profit of 4.729 billion dollars. Supply chain strains have led to a shortage of aircraft and components, driving up manufacturers’ profits, while airlines have been weighed down by delivery delays and rising costs. Emirates Group reported a net profit of 5.354 billion dollars. Delta Air Lines had the highest revenue among global carriers and ranked second in net profit. China’s three state-owned major airlines remained absent from the Global 500. Two of them were still loss-making in 2025, and their combined losses in the first half of 2026 are expected to approach 10 billion yuan. Xiamen C&D Group ranked 112th with revenue of 97.028 billion dollars, but it swung from profit to loss in 2025, posting a loss of 509 million dollars.
AIR.PA · Supply · Positive Airbus net profit up 28.7% to $5.889 billion, benefiting from supply chain strains driving up manufacturer profits.
BA · Supply · Positive Supply chain strains leading to aircraft shortage drive up manufacturer profits; Boeing returned to profitability with net profit of $2.235 billion.
GE · Supply · Positive GE Aerospace tops aviation companies with net profit of $8.704 billion, benefiting from supply-driven pricing power.
DAL · Supply · Negative Airlines weighed down by delivery delays and rising costs; Delta has high revenue but profits lag manufacturers.
HON · Supply · Positive Honeywell posted net profit of $4.729 billion, benefiting from supply chain strains driving up manufacturer profits.
600029.CG · Demand · Negative China Southern remains absent from Global 500, still loss-making in 2025 with combined losses expected near 10 billion yuan.
SeAH Aerospace & Defense Becomes Korea's First Aluminum Alloy Supplier for Airbus
SeAH Aerospace & Defense has signed a long-term agreement to supply high-strength aluminum alloys to Airbus, becoming the first Korean materials company to secure a direct supply deal with the European planemaker. The agreement, formalized at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, was signed ahead of final product certification, with the quality certification process set to begin in the second half of this year and full-scale production and supply expected to start in 2028. The alloys will be used in Airbus fuselages and wing structures, and the deal reflects Airbus's strategy to secure a stable procurement network amid rising aircraft demand and limited supply of aviation-grade materials. SeAH A&D already supplies Boeing, Israel Aerospace Industries, and Embraer, and is building a new manufacturing facility in Changnyeong, Korea, scheduled to begin operations in 2027 to meet growing global demand.
AIR.PA · Supply · Positive Airbus secures a new long-term supplier for high-strength aluminum alloys, strengthening its supply chain amid rising demand and limited supply.
ALUMINUM · Demand · Positive The deal signals increased demand for aviation-grade aluminum alloys from Airbus, which may support aluminum prices.
Flight Simulator Market to Reach USD 9.77 Billion by 2031, Growing at 8.0% CAGR
The global flight simulator market is projected to grow from USD 6.65 billion in 2026 to USD 9.77 billion by 2031, at a compound annual growth rate of 8.0%, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The market was valued at USD 6.22 billion in 2025. Full flight simulators are estimated to account for 64.2% of the market in 2026, while the software segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 9.7%. The Middle East is projected to be the fastest-growing region, driven by fleet expansion and new training centers in countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Key players include CAE Inc., FlightSafety International, Thales, Airbus, and TRU Simulation + Training Inc.
CAE · Demand · Positive CAE is a key player in the growing flight simulator market, projected to reach $9.77B by 2031 at 8% CAGR.
AIR.PA · Demand · Positive Airbus is a key player in the growing flight simulator market, benefiting from fleet expansion and training demand.
HO.PA · Demand · Positive Thales is a key player in the growing flight simulator market, with software segment expected to grow at 9.7% CAGR.
FlightSafety International · Demand · Positive FlightSafety International is a key player in the growing flight simulator market, driven by fleet expansion.
TRU Simulation + Training Inc. · Demand · Positive TRU Simulation + Training Inc. is a key player in the growing flight simulator market, benefiting from new training centers.
GE Aerospace Wraps Farnborough Airshow with Record Engine Demand and Hybrid Electric Milestone
GE Aerospace concluded the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow with commitments for approximately 1,800 engines, including the largest LEAP agreement ever, a memorandum of understanding with IndiGo for more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines to power 510 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft. The company also announced additional GEnx wins, with Philippine Airlines selecting GEnx-1B engines for 15 Boeing 787-10 aircraft and AerCap selecting the same engine for 15 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners, as the GEnx-1B surpassed 50 million flight hours in just over 14 years, the fastest rate ever for a GE Aerospace commercial widebody engine model. Durability advancements included FAA and EASA certification of the LEAP-1B high-pressure turbine durability kit, designed to double time on wing in hot and harsh environments, and initial engine-level certification of the LEAP-1B reverse bleed system. In future flight achievements, GE Aerospace, in collaboration with NASA, BETA Technologies, and Boeing, completed the first hybrid electric flight above 30,000 feet, while CFM's RISE technology demonstration program has now completed approximately 500 test campaigns and more than 3,000 endurance cycles, with Airbus and CFM revealing the livery design for the A380 flight test demonstration aircraft expected to support Open Fan flight testing later this decade. Defense highlights included a memorandum of understanding with Magellan Aerospace to explore F414 sustainment capabilities in Canada for the Saab Gripen, successful integration testing of the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle on the F110 engine for Shield AI's X-BAT aircraft, and an agreement with Turkish Technic to expand OEM-authorized MRO support for Data Link Control and Display Units in Türkiye.
GE · Demand · Positive Record 1,800 engine commitments including largest LEAP agreement and GEnx wins.
CFM International · Technology · Positive CFM's RISE program completed ~500 test campaigns and 3,000 endurance cycles; A380 flight test planned.
InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) · Demand · Positive IndiGo signed MOU for over 1,000 LEAP-1A engines to power 510 A320neo aircraft.
AIR.PA · Demand · Positive Airbus A320neo and A380 test aircraft mentioned; benefits from engine orders for its aircraft.
Shield AI · Technology · Positive Successful integration testing of Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle on F110 engine for Shield AI's X-BAT aircraft.
Magellan Aerospace Corporation · Demand · Positive Magellan Aerospace signed an MOU with GE to explore F414 sustainment capabilities in Canada for the Saab Gripen.
Airbus and Air Canada launch C$13.7 million SAF co-investment platform
Airbus and Air Canada have created a C$13.7 million Sustainability Co-Investment Platform focused on sustainable aviation fuel production in Canada. The partners also entered a multi-year SAF purchase agreement and plan to increase engagement with Canadian policymakers on aviation decarbonization. By committing capital and a multi-year offtake arrangement, Airbus is moving beyond its traditional role as an aircraft supplier and engaging earlier in the aviation fuel chain, signaling to airlines, regulators, and competitors such as Boeing and Embraer that it is prepared to share early-stage risk in building a domestic SAF industry.
AIR.PA · Demand · Positive Airbus expands into SAF production via co-investment and offtake, securing future fuel supply and strengthening customer relationships
0SE9.LSE · Demand · Positive Air Canada secures multi-year SAF purchase agreement and co-investment, ensuring future fuel supply and supporting decarbonization goals
BA · Competition · Negative Airbus's SAF platform signals early-stage risk-sharing, potentially pressuring Boeing to follow suit or lose competitive edge
Boeing Orders Outpace Airbus at UK Airshow, but Overall Figures Remain Subdued
At the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, Boeing secured 173 provisional and firm orders, surpassing European rival Airbus with 154. The combined total of 327 aircraft was in line with industry expectations, but fell far short of the 800 some bullish analysts had forecast. Excluding contracts where the buyer was initially undisclosed or already recorded on the manufacturers' order books, the effective new order count stood at 218, slightly above the 2024 result but well below the 2018 peak of 1,109. The largest order came from aircraft lessor SMBC Aviation Capital, which placed orders for 100 Boeing 737 MAX and 100 Airbus A320neo aircraft, totaling 200 planes and underscoring strong demand for single-aisle jets.