Airbus has posted a 12% increase in consolidated revenues for the first half of 2026, reaching €33.2bn, driven by higher commercial aircraft deliveries and strong performance in its Defence and Space division. The plane maker delivered 351 commercial aircraft between January and June, comprising 44 A220s, 271 A320 Family jets, 10 A330s and 26 A350s.
Profit and Revenue Growth
Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rose to €2.7bn from €2.2bn in the same period last year. Revenues from commercial aircraft activities climbed 15% to €23.9bn, reflecting higher delivery volumes and increased services, though partially offset by the US dollar's depreciation compared to H1 2025. Helicopter deliveries also improved, reaching 144 units versus 138 a year earlier.
Order Backlog Swells
Gross commercial aircraft orders totalled 886, up sharply from 494 in the first half of 2025. After cancellations, net orders stood at 821 aircraft. The order backlog now comprises 9,222 commercial jets, while Airbus Helicopters registered net orders of 215 units, with a backlog of 1,108. Defence and Space order intake surged to €9.3bn from €5.1bn a year ago.
CEO Comments on Performance
“Our good H1 results mainly reflect the higher level of commercial aircraft deliveries and strong performance in Defence and Space, against the backdrop of a complex and fast-changing environment,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus chief executive. He added: “We are ramping up across all businesses to meet the growing demand for our civil and military solutions. Our focus on steady execution is paying off, as demonstrated by strong deliveries in Q2. This fuels our confidence in our future performance, as reflected in the recently-communicated mid-term outlook.”
Production Rate Targets
Airbus provided updates on production ramp-ups across its programmes. The A220 ramp-up is ongoing, with a target of 13 aircraft per month by 2028. For the A320 Family, the company expects to reach a monthly rate of 70 to 75 aircraft by the end of 2027. The A330 programme is aiming for a rate of five per month in 2029, while the A350 programme targets 12 per month in 2028.
Outlook and Risks
Airbus maintained its 2026 guidance, which assumes no additional disruptions to global trade, the world economy, air traffic or the supply chain. The outlook also incorporates the impact of currently applicable tariffs. The company’s UK operations, based in Filton near Bristol and Broughton in North Wales, continue to play a key role in manufacturing wings and other components for its commercial aircraft.
