Airbus drops 2022 forecast, cuts production goals

STORY: Global supply chain troubles are still causing pain at Airbus.

The world’s largest planemaker said late Tuesday it was dropping its forecast for jet deliveries this year.

It now says it won’t hit the previous target of around 700 planes.

Though it says it won’t fall “materially short” of that number.

One analyst told Reuters that about 680 was now the likely figure.

Airbus is also adjusting plans to ramp up output of its best-selling A320 family of jets.

It still aims to hit 75 a month, but may take longer to reach that number.

The downgrades follow a stand-off between Airbus and engine makers over supplies.

Last month Chief Executive Guillaume Faury said the broader supply-chain situation remained “very complex”.

Now the industry will be watching very closely.

The rate of production for the A320 family, and its Boeing rival, the 737, set the tempo for global supply chains - and drive a large proportion of the sector’s profits.

Boeing is still recovering more slowly than Airbus after a series of crises.

It’s due to publish new production and order figures next week.

Airbus shares fell over 2% in morning trade Wednesday following the cut to its outlook.