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Airbus A350 Freighter Delay Supply Chain Snags Hold Up Latest Cargo Jet
Airbus A350 Freighter Delay Supply Chain Snags Hold Up Latest Cargo Jet
Title Airbus A350 Freighter Delay Supply Chain Snags Hold Up Latest Cargo Jet
The global supply chain crisis has struck again, this time affecting the highly anticipated Airbus A350 freighter. The European planemaker has announced a delay in the unveiling of its latest cargo jet, which is set to enter service in 2026. However, with the latest developments, it's unclear if that timeline will remain intact.
According to industry sources, Airbus may announce the delay as early as Thursday when it posts its annual results. The A350 freighter has been highly anticipated among major cargo carriers looking to renew their fleets and fill a gap left by delays in certifying programs to convert passenger jets into cargo planes. Despite ongoing trade tensions, freighter planes are in high demand, making this delay a significant blow to those waiting for the new aircraft.
The reason behind the delay lies in Airbus' struggles to increase output of its A350 family due to ongoing supply problems. Specifically, the company is facing challenges in obtaining fuselage parts from Spirit AeroSystems, which has expressed uncertainty over its future in the absence of a deal between Boeing and Airbus.
This issue is not new; Reuters reported in October that supplies to Airbus of A350 fuselage sections from Spirit's Kinston plant were running behind schedule. Now, it appears increasingly unlikely that any significant increase in output of the long-haul A350 family will be possible at all in 2025 and possibly part of 2026.
The delay is not limited to the freighter; Airbus is also struggling to increase production of its existing A350 passenger jets. Currently, the company is producing around six jets a month, with some sources suggesting that this rate could effectively place an informal cap on A350 production through the rest of this year.
Despite these challenges, Airbus remains committed to hitting its target of 12 A350s a month during 2028, including both passenger and freighter models. However, achieving this goal will require significant progress in addressing supply chain issues and ensuring a steady flow of parts and materials.
As the industry continues to navigate the complexities of global supply chains, it's clear that delays like this one can have far-reaching consequences for manufacturers and customers alike. While DIY hobbyists may view this delay as a minor setback in an otherwise exciting landscape, those relying on the A350 freighter and other aircraft will feel the impact.
Keywords Airbus A350, Freighters, Supply Chain Disruptions
