Airbus deliveries surge in May after delivering 81 aircraft to China

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus delivered 81 aircraft in May, marking a sharp increase from the same period last year, as the company cleared a backlog of jets delayed by a regulatory dispute with China, industry sources said.

The delivery figure compares with 51 aircraft delivered in May 2025 and reflects a significant acceleration in the company's output.

Airbus declined to comment on the deliveries ahead of its scheduled monthly update on Friday.

The company had disclosed in April that several aircraft deliveries were delayed during the first quarter due to what it described as a Chinese “administrative topic,” which it later said had been resolved.

According to two people familiar with the matter, Chinese authorities appeared to have delayed deliveries of Airbus aircraft in an effort to pressure European regulators to certify the Chinese-made C919 passenger jet, developed by the Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC.

The C919 has yet to receive certification from European aviation authorities.

French newspaper La Tribune reported that approximately 20 Airbus aircraft were affected by the delivery hold-up.

Responding to reports of the dispute in May, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency said the process of validating the C919 was progressing with the full cooperation of Chinese authorities and COMAC.

According to a Bloomberg report, the regulatory impasse lasted several months before being resolved.

Despite the strong May performance, analysts cautioned that it remains too early to determine whether Airbus will meet its annual delivery target of 870 aircraft.

The company continues to face broader supply chain challenges, including shortages of engines and cabin equipment, as well as delays from a former Spirit AeroSystems facility in the United States that supplies components for the Airbus A350.

UK-based aviation analyst Rob Morris said Airbus would need to maintain strong delivery momentum in the coming months to remain on track for its annual target.

However, he noted that the company appears to be making progress in reducing its inventory of completed aircraft awaiting delivery.