European aerospace giant Airbus said its first-half profit rose 85% to $1.7 billion (€1.5 billion), despite delivering fewer commercial aircraft than in the same period last year.

The company cited ongoing engine supply issues for its popular A320 model as the main reason for the delays. It delivered 306 aircraft in the first half of the year, compared with 323 in the same period in 2024.

However, Airbus reported strong growth in orders — 402, compared with 310 a year earlier, helping revenue rise 3% to €29.6 billion.

Operating profit, often used by analysts as a more accurate indicator of real business activity, also rose 11% to €1.6 billion.

Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury noted that while the political agreement between the EU and the US on zero tariffs on civil aircraft is encouraging for the industry, there is still uncertainty about the impact of US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

Airbus confirmed its target of delivering 820 commercial aircraft in 2025.

Faury also said that by the end of June, 60 aircraft were expected to receive engines, including from the CFM joint venture (Safran and GE) as well as Pratt & Whitney - delays that continue to affect the delivery schedule. | BGNES, AFP