Airbus (EU:AIR) delivered significantly stronger second-quarter results, with earnings rising sharply on the back of higher commercial aircraft deliveries and improved performances across its major business units. The aerospace group also reaffirmed its financial and operational targets for 2026.
Despite the strong earnings report, Airbus shares were down 2.5% in early trading in Paris.
Revenue and Profit Surge
Second-quarter revenue increased 28% year over year to €20.5 billion as aircraft deliveries gathered pace during the period.
Adjusted EBIT rose 54% to €2.43 billion, while reported EBIT climbed to €2.52 billion, more than double the level recorded a year earlier. Net income reached €1.66 billion, representing a 126% increase, with earnings per share of €2.10.
“The results further support Airbus’ €12-13bn 2029 EBIT ambition,” Barclays analysts said in a note.
Commercial Aircraft Business Leads Performance
The Commercial Aircraft division remained the group’s primary growth engine, generating revenue of €15.4 billion, up 37% compared with the second quarter of 2025.
Reported EBIT for the division jumped 150% to €1.95 billion.
Airbus Defence and Space also delivered a solid performance, with revenue rising 10% to €3.48 billion and reported EBIT more than doubling to €408 million.
The Helicopters business recorded revenue of €2.08 billion, broadly unchanged from the previous year, while reported EBIT edged 2% higher to €175 million.
Guidance Reaffirmed Despite Earlier Production Challenges
Chief Executive Guillaume Faury said the company’s strong second-quarter deliveries reflected steady execution as Airbus ramps up production to meet growing demand for civil and military aircraft. He added that the performance supports confidence in the group’s medium-term outlook.
Airbus left its full-year guidance unchanged, continuing to target approximately 870 commercial aircraft deliveries during 2026 while maintaining its existing earnings outlook.
Earlier this year, the manufacturer lowered its monthly A320 production plan and adopted more cautious delivery assumptions because of ongoing engine supply constraints.
Second-Quarter Recovery Offsets Weak Start to the Year
Airbus delivered 351 commercial aircraft during the first half of 2026, with the majority handed over during the second quarter.
The company’s commercial aircraft business had been affected earlier in the year by delays in deliveries to China, which weighed on first-quarter earnings.
Airbus also continued to navigate supply chain challenges, including engine availability issues and component shortages, particularly involving RTX’s Pratt & Whitney business.
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