Airbus Faces Boeing: Company's Stock Drops 5% After 2026 Forecast Cut
Airbus's stock fell by about 5% on Thursday after the company announced its new forecast to deliver 870 commercial aircraft in 2026, which is lower than analysts' expectations of 880 aircraft.
This decline comes amid rising competition with Boeing, which has recorded a strong start to the year by receiving more purchase orders than Airbus for the first time since 2018.
The company stated that global demand for aircraft remains strong and supports plans to increase production, but it faces significant challenges in supply chains, notably a shortage of Pratt & Whitney engines from RTX, which CEO Guillaume Faury described as the most impactful issue on deliveries.
In 2025, Airbus delivered 793 aircraft, exceeding its adjusted target of 790 aircraft after lowering the previous target due to quality issues with suppliers that affected A320 aircraft.
However, Boeing received more purchase orders, reflecting the intensifying competition between the two companies.
During January 2026, Boeing delivered 46 aircraft and recorded 103 net orders, compared to Airbus's delivery of 19 aircraft and 49 net orders, in what was described as a weaker-than-expected start for the European company.
In terms of financial results, Airbus reported adjusted operating profits of €2.98 billion in the fourth quarter, exceeding expectations, while its revenues reached €25.98 billion.
On a yearly basis, the company achieved operating profits of €7.13 billion and revenues of €73.4 billion.
Airbus expects to achieve adjusted operating profits of up to €7.5 billion and free cash flows nearing €4.5 billion during 2026, with strong global demand continuing, despite challenges in supply chains and increasing competition in the commercial aircraft market.
