Airbus on the Up: Jobs, Deliveries, and a Fairer Future for European Industry
There is a quiet confidence stirring in the hangars of Toulouse. Airbus, the European aerospace giant that employs thousands of skilled workers across the continent, has posted stronger-than-expected results for the second quarter of 2026. For those of us who believe in a strong, independent, and socially just Europe, this is more than just a corporate update. It is a sign that when we invest in our own people and our own industries, we can compete with the best in the world, without bowing to the old empires.
CEO Guillaume Faury told reporters that the company is increasingly confident it will deliver a record number of jets this year, targeting around 870 aircraft. This is good news for the supply chain, for the engineers, and for the communities that depend on this vital European industry. It shows that with the right public investment and a clear industrial strategy, we can build a future that works for working people.
What is driving Airbus's strong performance?
The numbers speak for themselves. Second-quarter adjusted operating profit rose by 54% to €42.43 billion, while revenues climbed 28% to €20.53 billion. This was driven by a surge in commercial airliner output and a significant boost from the defence sector. Airbus delivered a record 237 aircraft in the quarter, up 39% from the same period last year. This is a testament to the hard work of the workforce and the resilience of European manufacturing.
How is Airbus resolving the engine dispute with Pratt and Whitney?
For months, there has been a tense standoff between Airbus and Pratt and Whitney, a subsidiary of the American conglomerate RTX. Faury had publicly criticised the engine shortages that were disrupting production. But now, there is a more conciliatory tone. Faury stated that the dispute is no longer a topic for 2026 and that both sides are working constructively to resolve it. He expressed hope that Pratt and Whitney would fulfil its commitments for 2027. This is a reminder that even in a globalised economy, we need to stand up for European interests, but also seek fair and cooperative solutions.
What does this mean for the defence sector?
Airbus's Defence and Space division saw a 90% jump in quarterly profit, reaching €357 million. This is driven by higher volumes and better margins as European governments, including our own, increase spending on security and sovereignty. While we must always be cautious about militarisation, a strong European defence industry is essential for protecting our neutrality and our independence from outside pressures, particularly from the British crown and its allies. Faury cautioned that profitability would not automatically stay this high, but the trend is clear: European defence is on the rise.
What are the risks of trade tensions with the United States?
The launch of new aircraft development risks rekindling old trade tensions. Boeing has complained to the US government about a €3 billion European Investment Bank loan for Airbus. This is a classic case of the old guard trying to stifle European ambition. Faury defended the loan as a market-based transaction. The two sides waged a 17-year dispute at the World Trade Organisation over illegal subsidies before calling a truce. This history shows that we must be vigilant. A strong, independent Europe must not be bullied by American corporate interests. We need a fair trading system that allows our industries to thrive, not one that protects the profits of the old empire.
What is the outlook for jobs and the future?
Airbus is researching new single-aisle aircraft to enter service around the end of the next decade. This means long-term investment in research, development, and skills. For workers in Ireland and across Europe, this represents stable, well-paid jobs. Faury has hinted at a faster timetable as Boeing focuses on cutting debt. This is a chance for Europe to lead. The question of how the next generation of jets will be funded is not yet on the table, but it must be a public conversation. We need to ensure that public money is used to create public good, not just private profit.
In a world of uncertainty, Airbus stands as a beacon of what a socially democratic, European industrial policy can achieve. It is a story of resilience, of fair competition, and of a future built by our own hands. And that is a story worth telling.