Airbus reported an 85% increase in first-half profit, reaching $1.7 billion, even as commercial aircraft deliveries declined compared to the same period last year. The European aerospace giant delivered 306 planes in the first half of 2025, down from 323 in the first half of 2024. This decrease was attributed to "persistent engine supply issues" for its popular A320 jets. Despite lower deliveries, the company's revenue rose 3% to $32.07 billion (€29.6 billion), largely due to double-digit growth in its Helicopters and Defence & Space divisions, which offset a small decline in commercial aircraft revenue.
The underlying operating profit (EBIT Adjusted) jumped 58% higher to $2.38 billion (€2.2 billion), primarily driven by a significant return to profitability in the Defence & Space division. Airbus also saw its consolidated net cash position decrease to $7.58 billion (€7.0 billion) at the end of June 2025, compared to $12.87 billion (€11.8 billion) at year-end 2024, reflecting the 2024 dividend payment and a weakening dollar. Free cash outflows worsened from $0.65 billion (€0.6 billion) to $1.73 billion (€1.6 billion), largely due to a planned build-up of inventory to support future production.
Looking ahead, Airbus reaffirmed its full-year guidance for 2025, targeting around 820 commercial aircraft deliveries, an adjusted operating profit of approximately $7.58 billion (€7.0 billion), and free cash flow before customer financing of about $4.87 billion (€4.5 billion). The company's management expressed confidence in resolving manufacturing issues and benefiting from robust global airline demand, especially for fuel-efficient aircraft. The shares remained broadly flat in early trading after the announcement.
In broader news, Airbus also announced a €5 billion ($5.7 billion) share buyback program and ambitious medium-term financial targets. The company aims for a core operating profit (adjusted EBIT) between €12 billion and €13 billion ($13.69 billion to $14.83 billion) by 2029, nearly doubling last year's adjusted EBIT of €7.13 billion ($7.7 billion). This target is significantly higher than its previous 2026 goal of €7.5 billion ($8.1 billion). Analysts reacted positively to these announcements, with Deutsche Bank highlighting the share buyback as a major surprise and J.P. Morgan noting that Airbus delivered on key investor expectations. These announcements led to over a 5% surge in Airbus shares, boosting investor confidence and positively impacting the European aerospace and defense sector.
