New Airbus Commercial Chief Pledges Focus on Production and Supports Bigger A220

Post by : Saif

Airbus’ new head of commercial aircraft has signaled a clear shift in priorities, placing production performance at the center of his agenda while also expressing support for a larger version of the A220 jet. The comments mark his first public appearance since taking over the role at the start of the year and come at a time when aircraft makers face intense pressure to deliver planes on time.

Speaking at an aviation finance conference in Dublin, Lars Wagner acknowledged that Airbus is under strain across its entire supply network. Airlines and leasing companies have grown increasingly frustrated by delivery delays that have disrupted fleet planning and increased costs. Wagner said the most urgent task is to solve production bottlenecks and ensure Airbus can meet its promised output targets.

Airbus has struggled to reach its goal of producing 75 narrow-body aircraft a month and has been slowly increasing production of larger jets such as the A350. Wagner said resolving these issues will require close cooperation with suppliers, many of whom are still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed that fixing these challenges must come before launching new programs.

Beyond production, Wagner also pointed to future technology choices as a key concern. He said Airbus must carefully weigh fuel efficiency against engine durability when designing the next generation of narrow-body aircraft. While modern engines burn less fuel, airlines say this has come at the cost of higher wear and more frequent maintenance, creating operational headaches.

During a public discussion with aircraft leasing executives, Wagner listened closely to customer concerns. Leasing companies, which buy large numbers of aircraft, said their biggest problem is uncertainty over delivery schedules. They argued that long-term contracts worth billions of dollars depend on reliable production and predictable performance.

In a rare open exchange, Wagner asked what customers wanted to see next from Airbus. One leasing executive suggested a larger version of the A220, a regional jet that has been popular for its efficiency. Wagner replied that he shared that view, signaling personal support for the idea. However, opinions within the industry remain divided, with some lessors saying Airbus should avoid new designs and focus entirely on fixing factory performance.

Wagner was careful not to promise any immediate decisions, noting that he has only been in the job for a few weeks. His cautious tone suggested a leader intent on listening first before setting a firm direction.

From an editorial perspective, Wagner’s message reflects a realistic understanding of Airbus’ current challenges. Airlines and lessors are not asking for bold new aircraft as much as they are asking for planes to arrive on time and perform as promised. Restoring trust in delivery schedules may be more important than launching new models.

At the same time, the discussion around a larger A220 shows that Airbus must continue thinking about the future while managing present problems. If Wagner can balance production discipline with smart long-term planning, Airbus may strengthen its position in a market where reliability is now just as valuable as innovation.

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