Commercial Aviation
Airbus Accelerates A320 Production to Meet Growing Global Demand
Airbus targets 75 A320 planes monthly by 2027, expanding globally with new assembly lines in the USA and China amid supply challenges.
In the world of commercial aviation, the hum of production lines is a direct indicator of the industry’s health. Right now, the sound coming from Airbus facilities is more like a roar. The European aerospace giant is undertaking a monumental industrial ramp-up of its A320 Family of aircraft, a direct response to relentless and robust demand from airlines and leasing companies across the globe. This isn’t just about building more planes; it’s a strategic maneuver to solidify market leadership, clear a massive backlog of orders, and adapt to a post-pandemic world hungry for more efficient air travel.
The core of this surge is the A320neo (New Engine Option) family. In an era where fuel efficiency and reduced emissions are paramount, these aircraft have become the go-to choice for carriers looking to modernize their fleets. The numbers speak for themselves: the A320 Family has accumulated nearly 20,000 orders since its inception and, as of October 2025, became the most delivered airliner type in history. With a current backlog of over 7,000 A320neo Family aircraft, the pressure is on to get these planes out of the factory and into the skies. Airbus’s answer is “rate 75”, an ambitious target to produce 75 A320 Family aircraft per month by 2027, a Manufacturing level never before seen in civil aerospace.
Achieving such a high production rate isn’t possible by simply speeding up existing assembly lines. It requires a significant expansion of Airbus’s global manufacturing footprint. The final quarter of 2025 has been a landmark period in this expansion, with the inauguration of two new final assembly lines (FALs). One new FAL in Mobile, Alabama, effectively doubles Airbus’s A320 production capacity in the United States, a strategic move to enhance resilience and directly serve the American market. This expansion strengthens ties with U.S. Airlines and presents a formidable challenge to its primary competitor, Boeing, on its home turf.
Simultaneously, a second new FAL has opened in Tianjin, China. This move underscores Airbus’s commitment to the Chinese aviation market, which is on a trajectory to become the world’s largest by the early 2030s. These new facilities are not just about adding capacity; they represent an increase in flexibility and resilience for the entire A320 production system. The Tianjin line, for instance, incorporates advanced manufacturing technologies and sustainable energy sources like solar panels and geothermal energy. With ten FALs now spread across Germany, France, the USA, and China, the sun truly never sets on A320 production.
Investment isn’t confined to new locations. Airbus is also pouring resources into its historic European hubs. The assembly lines in Hamburg, Germany, are being fully upgraded to handle the complex, customized cabins of the A321 models. In Toulouse, France, a former A380 assembly line is being repurposed for A320 Family production, with completion expected by mid-2026. This global, interconnected industrial system is the bedrock upon which the “rate 75” target is being built.
The ‘rate 75’ is civil aerospace’s highest-ever production level, and it’s uniting Airbus, its affiliates and the entire supply chain in a mammoth push to reach it.
While the entire A320 Family is in demand, the ramp-up is overwhelmingly driven by the phenomenal success of its largest member, the A321neo. This aircraft, including its Long Range (LR) and Extra Long Range (XLR) variants, has become an industry favorite, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the A320 Family’s Orders book. Its popularity is a testament to its versatility, offering airlines single-aisle efficiency with the range and capacity to serve routes previously dominated by widebody jets.
The A321neo’s success is a key factor behind Airbus’s decision to increase narrowbody production so dramatically. To support this, specialized facilities are coming online, such as a highly-automated assembly hall in Augsburg, Germany, dedicated to the A321XLR’s range-extending rear center fuel tank. This focus on the most in-demand model ensures that Airbus is not just building more planes, but building the right planes that the market is clamoring for.
However, this ambitious scale-up is not without its hurdles. The entire aviation sector is grappling with persistent supply chain disruptions that emerged during the pandemic. Shortages of key components, especially engines, have created bottlenecks, leading to situations where fully assembled aircraft are left waiting for their power plants. Airbus has acknowledged these challenges, even adjusting its “rate 75” timeline from 2026 to 2027 to account for these realities. To bolster its industrial system and mitigate supplier instability, Airbus is also in the process of acquiring Spirit AeroSystems’ operations related to its key aircraft families, a move that will integrate more than 4,000 skilled employees directly into the Airbus team. Airbus’s push to produce 75 A320 Family aircraft per month is one of the most ambitious industrial undertakings in modern aviation history. It’s a clear and decisive strategy to meet overwhelming market demand, capitalize on the success of the A321neo, and expand its global industrial presence. The inauguration of new assembly lines in the U.S. and China, coupled with significant investments in its European heartland, demonstrates a robust and flexible approach to manufacturing at a global scale.
The path to “rate 75” is fraught with challenges, primarily from a fragile global supply chain and the need for a vast skilled workforce. However, Airbus’s proactive measures, including vertical integration through acquisitions and pragmatic timeline adjustments, show a clear-eyed awareness of the obstacles. Successfully navigating these headwinds will be critical. If achieved, this historic ramp-up will not only satisfy a massive order backlog but also solidify Airbus’s market position for years to come, reshaping the competitive landscape of Commercial-Aircraft.
Question: What is “rate 75”? Question: Why is the A321neo so popular? Question: Where is Airbus expanding its production?
Airbus Hits Full Throttle: Ramping Up A320 Production to Meet Unprecedented Demand
A Global Footprint for a Global Demand
The A321neo: The Star of the Show
Conclusion: Navigating the Headwinds to Reach New Heights
FAQ
Answer: “Rate 75” refers to Airbus’s production target of manufacturing 75 aircraft from its A320 Family every month. The company aims to achieve this goal by 2027, which would represent the highest-ever production level for civil aerospace.
Answer: The A321neo, the largest member of the A320 Family, is extremely popular due to its versatility, fuel efficiency, and range. Its Long Range (LR) and Extra Long Range (XLR) variants allow airlines to operate longer routes with the cost-effectiveness of a single-is. It currently accounts for about two-thirds of the A320 Family’s order book.
Answer: Airbus is expanding globally. In October 2025, it inaugurated new final assembly lines in Mobile, Alabama (USA), and Tianjin, China. It is also heavily investing in its European sites in Hamburg, Germany, and Toulouse, France, to increase capacity and modernize facilities.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
EgyptAir Receives First Airbus A350-900 to Modernize Fleet
EgyptAir accepts its first Airbus A350-900, starting a fleet overhaul with 16 aircraft to expand long-haul routes and improve efficiency.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional fleet data.
EgyptAir has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900, registered as SU-GGE, marking a significant milestone in the carrier’s modernization strategy. The handover, which took place on February 9, 2026, positions the Cairo-based airline as the first operator of the A350-900 in North Africa.
According to an official press release from Airbus, this aircraft is the first of 16 A350-900s ordered by the Egyptian flag carrier. The delivery underscores EgyptAir’s commitment to phasing out older wide-body jets while expanding its long-haul network capabilities to new destinations in North America and Asia.
The arrival of the A350-900 represents a pivotal shift in EgyptAir’s long-haul operations. The airline originally signed for 10 aircraft during the Dubai Airshow in November 2023, later expanding the commitment with a top-up order for six additional units. These new airframes are intended to replace the carrier’s aging Boeing 777-300ER fleet, offering improved operating economics and passenger comfort.
In a statement regarding the initial order, Yehia Zakaria, EgyptAir Holding Chairman and CEO, highlighted the flagship status of the new type:
“The A350-900 will be our flagship aircraft… adding the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft to our fleet will be instrumental in expanding our offering.”
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer at Airbus, noted the economic advantages the aircraft brings to the airline’s network:
“The A350 is the one and only aircraft enabling EgyptAir to open up its network with benchmark economic efficiency, not to mention passenger comfort.”
EgyptAir has outlined a phased entry-into-service plan for the new fleet. Initially, the aircraft will be deployed on trunk routes to London and Paris to facilitate crew familiarization. Following this integration period, the airline plans to leverage the A350’s 9,700 nautical mile range to launch non-stop services to the U.S. West Coast and key Asian markets, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Tokyo.
The new A350-900 features a two-class configuration designed to maximize capacity while introducing updated premium amenities. According to fleet data, the aircraft accommodates a total of 340 passengers. Technological upgrades are a focal point of the new cabin. The aircraft is equipped with Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova in-flight entertainment system, providing 4K OLED screens and high-fidelity audio. Additionally, passengers across all classes will have access to USB-C fast charging ports and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.
The transition to the A350-900 aligns with broader industry sustainability goals. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the aircraft is reported to burn 25% less fuel compared to the previous generation aircraft it replaces. This efficiency gain corresponds to a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions.
Furthermore, the A350 is recognized as the quietest aircraft in its class, possessing a noise footprint 50% smaller than older jets, a critical factor for operations at noise-sensitive airports in Europe and North America.
EgyptAir’s delivery secures its position as the sole active operator of the A350-900 in the North African region, a status solidified by the shifting strategies of its neighbors. While other carriers in the region had previously expressed interest in the type, market dynamics have led to cancellations and delays.
For instance, Air Algérie cancelled its order for A350-1000s in early 2025, opting instead for Airbus A330-900neos. Similarly, Tunisair cancelled its A350 commitments in 2013. Other regional orders, such as those from Libyan carriers Afriqiyah Airways and Libyan Airlines, remain stalled due to long-standing instability. Consequently, EgyptAir currently faces no direct regional competition operating this specific airframe, potentially offering it a product advantage on competitive routes connecting Africa to Europe and the Americas.
Sources:
EgyptAir Accepts Delivery of First Airbus A350-900, Initiating Major Fleet Overhaul
Fleet Modernization and Strategic Expansion
Operational Deployment
Cabin Configuration and Passenger Experience
Environmental Performance
AirPro News Analysis: Regional Market Context
Airbus Press Release
Photo Credit: Airbus
Route Development
SAS and TAROM Codeshare Connects Scandinavia and Romania in 2026
SAS and TAROM announce a codeshare agreement effective February 2026, enhancing connectivity between Scandinavia and Romania with SkyTeam benefits.
This article is based on an official press release from SAS Group.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and TAROM, the flag carrier of Romania, have announced a comprehensive codeshare agreement set to commence on February 9, 2026. The partnership aims to restore and enhance connectivity between Northern Europe and Romania following SAS’s strategic shift to the SkyTeam alliance.
According to the official announcement from SAS Group, the agreement will allow passengers to book single-ticket journeys between the two regions by utilizing major European transit hubs. This move integrates TAROM, a long-standing SkyTeam member, more deeply with SAS, which officially joined the alliance on September 1, 2024.
The collaboration addresses a significant gap in network connectivity, offering business and leisure travelers seamless baggage check-through and reciprocal loyalty benefits. Paul Verhagen, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer at SAS, emphasized the strategic value of the deal in a statement:
“This new partnership with TAROM marks an important step in enhancing connectivity between Scandinavia and Romania. By combining our networks and offering smooth transfers via key European hubs, we are giving our customers more choice, flexibility, and convenience.”
Rather than launching direct flights immediately, the airlines are leveraging a “virtual hub” strategy. According to the press release, the codeshare will route traffic through four key intermediate airports: Amsterdam (AMS), Brussels (BRU), Frankfurt (FRA), and Prague (PRG).
Under the terms of the agreement:
This structure allows the airlines to offer competitive travel times and frequency without dedicating aircraft to direct point-to-point routes, which are currently dominated by low-cost carriers.
This agreement is a direct consequence of the major airline alliance realignment that occurred in late 2024. When SAS departed Star Alliance to join SkyTeam, it lost its traditional connectivity to Eastern Europe provided by partners like Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines. Partnering with TAROM allows SAS to rebuild its footprint in the region using SkyTeam infrastructure.
For TAROM, the deal unlocks access to the high-yield Scandinavian market. The Romanian carrier is currently in the midst of a fleet modernization program, transitioning from aging aircraft to new Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets expected to arrive in late 2025 and 2026. By utilizing SAS for the northern leg of the journey, TAROM can expand its network reach while conserving its own metal for other high-demand routes. Narcis Obeadă, Commercial Director at TAROM, hinted at further expansion in the company’s statement:
“In the coming period, TAROM will announce new commercial agreements, in line with the company’s mission to safely and efficiently connect Romania and Romanian culture to the international air transport network.”
Travelers utilizing the codeshare will benefit from the full suite of SkyTeam alliance perks. Members of SAS EuroBonus and TAROM’s loyalty program will be able to earn and redeem points on these codeshare flights. Additionally, premium passengers will gain access to SkyTeam lounges at transit hubs.
The passenger experience on the SAS leg of these journeys is also set for an upgrade. SAS is currently rolling out free high-speed Starlink WiFi across its fleet, a project the airline states will be widely available by late 2025.
The “Prague” Anomaly and Market Positioning
The inclusion of Prague (PRG) as a connection hub is a notable operational detail. Following the cessation of operations by Czech Airlines (CSA) as a standalone SkyTeam member in October 2024, Prague is no longer a primary alliance hub. The decision to route traffic through PRG suggests a strong bilateral interline capability between SAS and TAROM that functions independently of major alliance hub infrastructure.
Furthermore, this deal clearly targets the premium business segment. While low-cost carrier Wizz Air operates direct flights between Bucharest and Copenhagen, legacy carriers cannot compete purely on price. Instead, SAS and TAROM are competing on schedule flexibility (multiple daily frequencies via hubs) and corporate perks (lounge access, baggage interlining). With tourism to Romania rising, foreign arrivals were up 13.4% year-on-year as of August 2024, the demand for reliable, full-service connectivity is likely to grow.
When can I book these codeshare flights? Will my bags be checked through to the final destination? Do these flights count toward SkyTeam Elite status?
SAS and TAROM Launch Strategic Codeshare to Connect Scandinavia and Romania
Operational Details: The Virtual Hub Strategy
RO marketing code on SAS flights connecting Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm to these intermediate hubs.SK marketing code on TAROM flights connecting Bucharest to the same hubs.Strategic Context: The SkyTeam Realignment
Passenger Experience and Loyalty
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The codeshare agreement is effective starting February 9, 2026. Tickets should be available through both airlines’ booking channels prior to this date.
Yes. Because this is a full codeshare agreement, passengers traveling on a single ticket (e.g., Bucharest to Stockholm via Amsterdam) will have their baggage checked through to the final destination.
Yes. Flights marketed and operated by SkyTeam members (SAS and TAROM) count toward tier status and accrue redeemable miles/points according to the rules of your specific loyalty program.
Sources
Photo Credit: SAS Group
Route Development
Starlux Airlines Launches Taipei to Prague Flights in 2026
Starlux Airlines will begin nonstop service between Taipei and Prague in August 2026, featuring its exclusive First Class on the Airbus A350-900.
This article summarizes reporting by One Mile at a Time and Ben Schlappig.
Starlux Airlines, the Taiwan-based luxury carrier, has officially announced its expansion into the European market. According to reporting by One Mile at a Time, the airline will launch nonstop service between Taipei (TPE) and Prague (PRG) beginning August 1, 2026. This development marks a major milestone for the “boutique” airline, representing its first long-haul destination outside of North America.
The new route signals a strategic shift for Starlux, which has previously focused its long-haul efforts exclusively on transpacific flights to the United States. By deploying its flagship Airbus A350-900 aircraft on this sector, the airline intends to compete directly with legacy carriers by offering a premium-heavy configuration, including its exclusive First Class cabin.
Based on schedule data cited by One Mile at a Time and confirmed by Prague Airport, the service will initially operate three times weekly. The flights are scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with plans to increase frequency to four times weekly by adding Mondays starting in October 2026.
The operational schedule is as follows:
Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Prague Airport, welcomed the new connection in a statement regarding the launch.
“We estimate that the route will be used by approximately 95,000 passengers in the first year of operation.”
, Jiří Pos, Chairman of Prague Airport
Travelers on this route will experience Starlux’s most premium hardware. One Mile at a Time notes that the Airbus A350-900 is the only aircraft type in the Starlux fleet equipped with a First Class cabin. The aircraft features a total of 306 seats across four distinct classes:
This deployment is significant because it brings a true First Class product to the Taipei-Prague market, distinguishing Starlux from competitors that may only offer Business Class on similar routes.
While major European hubs like London Heathrow or Paris Charles de Gaulle are often the first ports of call for Asian carriers expanding westward, Starlux’s choice of Prague is driven by specific economic factors rather than traditional tourism volume alone. The Semiconductor Connection “Prague is a long-favored destination for Taiwanese travelers, and growing semiconductor industry ties are expected to further drive demand…”
, Glenn Chai, CEO of Starlux Airlines
Competitive Landscape According to the reporting by Ben Schlappig, this route is likely just the beginning of Starlux’s European ambitions. The airline has indicated plans to launch a second European destination later in 2026. While not officially confirmed, industry reports suggest Milan (MXP) is a strong contender, which would align with the carrier’s Strategy of connecting high-value fashion and business hubs.
Starlux Airlines Selects Prague for First European Route
Flight Schedule and Operational Details
Onboard Experience: The Airbus A350-900
AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Market Positioning
We observe that the economic ties between Taiwan and the Czech Republic have deepened significantly due to the semiconductor industry. With major investments from Taiwanese tech giants in Central Europe, business travel demand is high. Starlux CEO Glenn Chai highlighted this synergy in his remarks regarding the Launch.
Starlux will face direct competition from China Airlines, which launched the same route in July 2023. However, Starlux appears to be betting on its “luxury boutique” brand identity to capture high-yield business travelers and premium leisure tourists who prioritize cabin comfort and newer aircraft hardware.
Future European Expansion
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Credit: Starlux Airlines
-
Commercial Aviation3 days agoAirbus Nears Launch of Stretched A350 Variant to Compete with Boeing 777X
-
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries4 days agoHarbor Diversified Sells Air Wisconsin Assets for $113.2 Million
-
MRO & Manufacturing4 days agoFedEx A300 Nose Gear Collapse During Maintenance at BWI Airport
-
Defense & Military4 days agoAirbus and Singapore Complete Manned-Unmanned Teaming Flight Trials
-
Defense & Military1 day agoApogee Aerospace Signs $420M Deal for Albatross Amphibious Aircraft