By Samuel Ssenono
Airbus SE has posted a strong set of full-year 2025 results, underpinned by robust global demand for aircraft, higher deliveries, and improved performance across its Commercial Aircraft, Helicopters, and Defence and Space divisions.
The European aerospace group delivered 793 commercial aircraft during the year, up from 766 in 2024. Revenues rose by six percent to €73.4 billion, while adjusted operating profit (EBIT Adjusted) climbed to €7.1 billion. Reported EBIT stood at €6.1 billion, with earnings per share of €6.61.
Free cash flow before customer financing reached €4.6 billion, and Airbus said it achieved its full-year 2025 guidance. The company’s Board will propose a dividend of €3.20 per share at the Annual General Meeting in April.
Strong Demand, Growing Backlog
Airbus recorded gross commercial aircraft orders of 1,000 units in 2025, translating into net orders of 889 aircraft after cancellations. This pushed the order backlog to a record 8,754 aircraft by year-end, highlighting the continued strength of airline demand despite ongoing pressures in the global supply chain.
Helicopters also posted a solid year, with net orders rising to 536 units, driven largely by military and government demand. At Defence and Space, order intake by value climbed to a record €17.7 billion, reflecting growing momentum in defence programmes across Europe and allied markets.
Overall, consolidated order intake rose to €123.3 billion, while the total order book stood at €619 billion at the end of 2025.
Commercial Aircraft Lead Revenue Growth
Revenues from Airbus’ commercial aircraft business increased to €52.6 billion, supported by higher deliveries and growing services activity. The 2025 deliveries included 93 A220s, 607 A320 Family aircraft, 36 A330s and 57 A350s.
Airbus Helicopters reported a 13 percent rise in revenues to €9.0 billion, with deliveries increasing to 392 helicopters. Defence and Space revenues grew 11 percent to €13.4 billion, reflecting higher volumes across satellite, military aircraft and secure communications programmes.
Group Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury said 2025 marked a milestone year for the company.
“Demand for our aircraft remains very strong across markets. We delivered on our updated guidance in a complex operating environment, while continuing to ramp up production,” Faury said. “The performance of Helicopters and Defence and Space shows the value of a balanced portfolio, especially at a time when defence demand is rising.”
Production Ramp-Up Faces Engine Constraints
Airbus said production ramp-up remains a key focus, particularly for the A220 and A320 family programmes. The company noted that engine shortages linked to Pratt & Whitney continue to weigh on the pace of narrowbody aircraft production.
As a result, Airbus now expects the A320 Family to reach a monthly production rate of between 70 and 75 aircraft by the end of 2027, stabilising at 75 thereafter. The A220 programme is targeting a rate of 13 aircraft per month by 2028. Meanwhile, the A330 is expected to reach a rate of five aircraft per month by 2029, and the A350 a rate of 12 aircraft per month by 2028.
Despite these constraints, Airbus said it continues to manage production carefully while balancing supply chain pressures and airline delivery schedules.
Improved Profitability Across Divisions
Adjusted operating profit in the commercial aircraft division rose to €5.47 billion, supported by higher deliveries and favourable hedge rates. Airbus Helicopters’ adjusted EBIT increased to €925 million, while Defence and Space returned to profit, posting an adjusted EBIT of €798 million after losses the previous year.
The turnaround in Defence and Space reflects the early impact of a restructuring and transformation programme aimed at restoring profitability and improving execution across major programmes.
Cash Position and Dividend
Airbus ended 2025 with a gross cash position of €27.2 billion and a net cash position of €12.2 billion, maintaining a strong balance sheet.
The Board will propose a dividend of €3.20 per share for 2025, with payment expected in April, signalling confidence in the company’s medium-term outlook and cash generation.
Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead, Airbus said it expects to deliver around 870 commercial aircraft in 2026, assuming no major disruptions to global trade, air traffic, or the supply chain. The company is guiding for adjusted EBIT of around €7.5 billion and free cash flow before customer financing of about €4.5 billion.
Management says the outlook reflects both continued strong demand for new aircraft and the operational realities of managing production in a constrained supply chain environment.
