BLAGNAC, France: Airbus reduced its 2025 commercial aircraft delivery target after identifying a production-quality issue on fuselage panels for its top-selling A320 family, though the planemaker said its full-year financial outlook remains intact.

The company now expects to hand over around 790 jets next year, 30 fewer than previously planned. The adjustment follows Reuters' report this week revealing the industrial problem, which surfaced just days after an emergency recall of thousands of A320s for a software update.

Airbus shares rose two percent in early trading after sliding nearly seven percent over the past two sessions. Analysts said the revised guidance brings clarity after a volatile period for the world's biggest planemaker, coming only two months after the A320 overtook Boeing's 737 as the most-delivered aircraft model in history.

Jefferies analysts noted that "the 30 aircraft removed from the delivery guide this year are not all expected to require a parts change," while pointing out that engine-related delays were absent from Airbus' latest update. Engine supply constraints have been closely watched as airlines and manufacturers compete for components amid extended repair times.

According to a presentation to airlines seen by Reuters, Airbus engineers have found defects on a broader range of A320 fuselage panels as they prepare to inspect 628 aircraft. Airbus has said only a portion of these jets will require further intervention. The issue stems from incorrect thickness on certain parts produced by Seville-based supplier Sofitec Aero, which did not respond to requests for comment.

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said that the panel problem had also affected November deliveries and told Reuters a decision on December handovers would be made within hours or days. Industry sources said Airbus delivered 72 aircraft in November, short of expectations. Official figures are due on December 5.

Despite the delivery cut, Airbus reiterated its financial targets, including adjusted operating income of about 7.0 billion euros (US$8.2 billion) and free cash flow of roughly 4.5 billion euros. Analysts said holding those goals suggests Airbus had been on track to exceed forecasts before the quality issue surfaced.

Citi analysts estimated that the reduced deliveries could have resulted in a profit impact of 400–450 million euros and about 600 million euros in lower cash flow.

Boeing, which is still working through the aftermath of its own industrial and safety troubles with the 737 MAX, said it expects positive cash flow in 2026, sending its shares up 10 percent.