Airbus delays delivery of jets to Qantas amid supply issues

Airbus reported on Tuesday (26) that the delivery of the first of a batch of long-range passenger jets to Australian Qantas Airways has been postponed, amid persistent supply chain problems that continue to affect the European manufacturer.

The first of 12 specially adapted A350-1000s will now be delivered in April 2027, according to Airbus.

Qantas announced in 2022 the order for Airbus aircraft capable of operating ultra-long, non-stop flights between Australian cities and London and New York. At the time, the company estimated that the routes would be available from the end of 2025. Later, Qantas began to indicate that the first aircraft would be delivered at the end of 2026.

According to Airbus, the postponement is "largely due to the impact of supply chain issues."

Airbus has already been forced to reduce delivery targets in 2022, 2024 and 2025 due to logistical obstacles, with global bottlenecks making it difficult to obtain items needed for assembly - from seats to bathrooms. More recently, the shortage of engines supplied by Pratt & Whitney, controlled by RTX, has become another focus of pressure, although the group has maintained its delivery targets for this year.

A Qantas spokesperson said the first A350 from this batch is in the paint shop and is expected to begin test flights in a few weeks.

"Next month, we will announce the first route and schedule for our inaugural commercial services," highlighted the spokesperson. Despite the delay in the initial delivery, the following aircraft will arrive in quick succession, which will allow the company to return to its original schedule until November, he added.

"We continue to work closely with Airbus on the delivery and certification process that will allow us to begin operating these historic ultra-long flights," the spokesperson said.

*Source: Dow Jones Newswires

**Content translated with the help of Artificial Intelligence, reviewed and edited by Broadcast Editorial

Source: CNN