Airbus is preparing a decision on expanding A350 production capacity, potentially through a second final-assembly line in Toulouse, as airlines seek more long-haul aircraft. Lars Wagner, chief executive of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, said on Wednesday that approval from the company’s board would be required and could come “sooner rather than later”. The existing line is designed for about 12 to 13 aircraft per month.
Airbus is already targeting a production rate of 12 A350s per month in 2028. Any increase beyond the current line’s capacity would require additional factory space, equipment, logistics capability and supply-chain support, alongside a second assembly line. No higher production target, investment decision, construction timetable or site has been disclosed.
The capacity review is separate from Airbus’s study of a possible stretched A350, commonly referred to as the A350-2000, which has not been formally launched. The manufacturer is also evaluating a larger A220 variant, the A220-500, with decisions expected around the beginning of its next five-year planning period. Both aircraft concepts remain subject to business-case work and board approval.