Airbus aims to build 12 A350s monthly by 2028, but delays from its North Carolina plant threaten that goal. The Kinston facility supplies critical composite parts, and staffing and integration issues are slowing delivery. Demand remains strong, but production bottlenecks may force revised timelines.
Airbus delivered fewer than five A350s per month on average in early 2026, far below its 2028 target. The bottleneck centers on the Kinston, North Carolina site, acquired from Spirit AeroSystems in late 2025, which produces fuselage panels and wing spars. Staffing transitions and supply chain misalignments have delayed component deliveries, stalling downstream assembly lines despite adequate final-assembly capacity.
The company insists it remains committed to the 12-per-month goal but acknowledges the complexity of integrating a new facility into its global supply chain. Executives note that increasing output requires synchronized upgrades across suppliers, logistics, and internal processes-not just adding workers. Airbus is deploying European specialists to support Kinston, but progress has been slower than projected, raising questions about feasibility without further adjustments.
Why it matters
Aircraft buyers face potential delivery slippage beyond current schedules, affecting fleet planning and route launches. Airlines relying on A350 capacity growth may need to delay expansion or lease alternatives, increasing costs and operational risk during peak demand periods.