Airbus reported higher revenue and earnings for the first half of 2026 (H1), driven by increased commercial aircraft deliveries and a strong performance at its Defence and Space division.
“Our good H1 results mainly reflect the higher level of commercial aircraft deliveries and strong performance in Defence and Space, against the backdrop of a complex and fast-changing environment,” Airbus Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury said.
“We are ramping up across all businesses to meet the growing demand for our civil and military solutions. Our focus on steady execution is paying off, as demonstrated by strong deliveries in Q2. This fuels our confidence in our future performance, as reflected in the recently communicated mid-term outlook,” he added.
Gross commercial aircraft orders reached 886 during the first half of the year, up from 494 in the same period of 2025. Net orders totalled 821 aircraft after cancellations, compared with 402 a year earlier. Airbus’ commercial aircraft backlog stood at 9,222 aircraft at the end of June.
Airbus Helicopters recorded net orders for 215 units, up from 171 in the first half of 2025, with an order backlog of 1,108 helicopters. Airbus Defence and Space also reported strong commercial momentum, with order intake rising to €9.3 billion from €5.1 billion a year earlier.
H1 consolidated revenue increased 12% year-on-year to €33.2 billion, compared with €29.6 billion in the first half of 2025.
The manufacturer delivered 351 commercial aircraft during the period, up from 306 a year earlier. Deliveries included 44 A220s, 271 A320 Family aircraft, 10 A330s and 26 A350s.
Revenue from Airbus’ commercial aircraft business rose 15% to €23.9 billion in H1, mainly reflecting the higher delivery volume and increased services, partly offset by the depreciation of the U.S. dollar compared with the first half of 2025.
Airbus Helicopters delivered 144 helicopters, compared with 138 a year earlier, while revenue remained broadly stable at €3.7 billion, reflecting a less favourable delivery mix during the first half of 2026.
Revenue at Airbus Defence and Space increased 9% year-on-year to €6.3 billion, driven by higher volumes across all business units.
Consolidated adjusted EBIT rose to €2.727 billion from €2.204 billion in the first half of 2025.
Adjusted EBIT for the commercial aircraft business increased to €1.987 billion from €1.714 billion, supported by higher deliveries but partly offset by a less favourable hedge rate.
Airbus Helicopters reported adjusted EBIT of €240 million, compared with €249 million a year earlier, reflecting solid programme performance offset by higher research and development expenses.
Adjusted EBIT at Airbus Defence and Space increased to €487 million from €265 million in the first half of 2025, supported by favourable cost phasing, improved profitability and higher business volumes.
