Airbus confirms deliveries fell to 50 jets in September

Airbus deliveries fell 9% in September to 50 aircraft, compared with the same month last year, the European planemaker said on Wednesday.

The figure, which confirms a recent Reuters report, brings deliveries so far this year to 497 jetliners, up 2% from 488 at the nine-month stage a year ago.

Airbus is targeting 770 deliveries for the full year after reducing its goal from 800 jets in July, citing shortages of engines and other parts as the aerospace industry's supply chain struggles to recover from the pandemic.

Reuters, quoting industry sources, reported on Friday that Airbus had delivered 50 jets in September, leaving it facing a sprint towards the finish line in the traditionally busy fourth quarter.

Airbus has said it is on track to meet its annual target of "around" 770 jets.

The figures suggest that Airbus would have to deliver 273 aircraft in the fourth quarter to meet its headline target figure, up 11% from the same quarter last year.

Airbus and Boeing supplier Senior said on Tuesday it was cutting headcount in response to challenges in commercial aerospace manufacturing, sending its shares tumbling.

Senior said it was resorting to both furloughs and job cuts in response to an ongoing strike at Boeing's commercial aircraft operations and supply chain issues facing Airbus.