Airbus and Boeing adapt to the difficulties of the subcontractors
The European giant is pushing back its A320neo production increase target by six months to early 2024.
From the demand crisis to the supply crisis. The balance wheel return is particularly efficient for aviation. After two years of the lull associated with the health crisis, demand for air travel and new aircraft has rebounded so sharply that manufacturers, engine builders and their suppliers are struggling to keep up with the same pace. That observation is shared by Airbus Executive Chairman Guillaume Faury and Boeing CEO David Calhoun, who released their half-year results on Wednesday. ” Despite the deteriorating macroeconomic environment and the risk of an inflationary recession, rising commodity prices, staff shortages and the impact of the war in Ukraine, we see no sign of a slowdown in demand ‘, acts as CEO of Boeing.
also readBoeing finds colors at Farnborough Air Show
In this context, Airbus posted a better half-year result than Boeing, which was still hampered by the problems with the 787 Dreamliner and the threat of version 10 discontinuation of the 737 Max. The European giant, which delivered 297 aircraft and signed 295 orders in the first half of 2022, recorded a net result of 1.9 billion euros (-15%) on sales of 24.8 billion or 200 million more than in the first half of 2021 The operating profit (adjusted EBIT) reached 2.6 billion.
SEE ALSO – Victims’ families question an agreement between Boeing and the United States following the crash of two 737 MAX planes
For its part, Boeing, which delivered 216 planes and signed 169 orders for 737 Max and 13 cargo planes, lost more money. It suffered a net loss of more than $1 billion on sales of $30.6 billion (+5%). Only its service activity brought in money (1.3 billion operating profit). Defense and space activities now outweigh commercial aircraft (11.6 billion) (11.6 billion), but the two main activities are in the red.
Returned to service in late 2020, the Max has regained its colors. But there are still over 300 copies to be outsourced (produced during the delivery stop between 2019 and 2020). The aircraft will be produced at a rate of 31 Max per month. The goal is to hit 40 Max per month this fall. The 787, which has suspended deliveries since May 2021, will be at “ low cadence “. The program will have an additional cost of 2 billion by the end of 2023, including 283 million to be spent in the second quarter. Boeing is waitingimminent » Green light from US Air Traffic Control to resume deliveries. The group then plans to increase its production in some wayprogressive on five long-haul flights per month.
Faced with the problems of their subcontractors and the uncertainties created by the deteriorating economic and geopolitical environment, Airbus and Boeing are adapting. The European is sticking to its goal of producing 75 A320neos per month in 2025, but is revising its interim target. “Due to current supply chain difficulties, Airbus is adjusting the ramp-up in 2022 and 2023 and is now targeting 65 A320neo per month in 2024, some six months ahead of schedule» announces Guillaume Faury. Airbus expects 700 deliveries this year, up from 720 previously planned.“We will not advance our production system too quicklysays David Calhoun.Our priority is to stabilize our supply chain and make our production predictable. »
SEE ALSO – A Boeing capsule takes off on a test flight to the International Space Station
