Airbus CEO calls for stronger global collaboration as aircraft production strains supply chains

WAM

DUBAI, February 4, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Guillaume Faury said the scale of modern aircraft manufacturing and recent supply chain disruptions are increasing pressure on the aviation industry, calling for stronger global collaboration during remarks at World Governments Summit 2026.

Speaking in a session titled “How Do We Keep the World Connected?”, moderated by Richard Quest of CNN, the Airbus chief executive said a single aircraft includes around three million parts, requiring each component to arrive on time and meet quality standards, with any delay capable of halting production.

Faury said the industry’s challenges have been especially acute over the past five to six years, including the recovery from the pandemic. He said aerospace companies reduced production sharply during COVID-19 for up to two years, contributing to the loss of skilled supply-chain workers and slowing the rebuilding of expertise.

He said 2023 and 2024 were particularly difficult, while 2025 marked a turning point as long-standing issues began to be resolved. Airbus is now ramping up output rapidly through 2025 and 2026, he said, adding that strong demand is raising delivery pressures across global supply chains.

The discussion also addressed global trade tensions, including past tariff disputes between the United States and Europe. Faury welcomed the decision to exclude aircraft from punitive measures, describing it as recognition of the interconnected transatlantic aerospace ecosystem, and said collaboration is needed to avoid inflationary pressures and further delays.

Looking ahead, he referred to future aircraft platforms, defence sector growth in Europe and emerging competitors, including China, arguing that continued investment in technology and innovation is central to resilience.

The summit is being held over three days and includes more than 60 heads of state and government and their deputies, over 500 ministers and representatives from more than 150 governments, with more than 6,250 participants. It also features more than 445 sessions with contributions from over 450 global figures, according to the event programme.