Airbus is preparing an early board-level decision on additional A350 production capacity as strong airline demand points to output above the existing industrial plan. The manufacturer is considering a second final-assembly line for the wide-body aircraft, while also developing the business case for a longer, higher-capacity version known as the A350-2000. Neither project has been approved.
Airbus currently operates one A350 final-assembly line, designed for approximately 12 to 13 aircraft per month. The company has reaffirmed its target of reaching 12 A350s per month by 2028; a second line would support production beyond that level and require an expanded industrial system. No location, investment amount or schedule has been disclosed.
Commercial-aircraft chief Lars Wagner described higher A350 output as unavoidable and indicated that the matter would be brought to the board “sooner rather than later”. The production decision is not dependent on the launch of the stretched aircraft, as Airbus believes demand could justify rates above 12 aircraft per month even without the A350-2000.
The proposed A350-2000 is being evaluated for the upper end of the wide-body market, where it would compete with larger aircraft such as Boeing’s 777-9. Airbus sees clear customer demand but has not formally launched the programme. A decision is expected during the early part of the manufacturer’s next five-year planning period, while the stretch decision is not expected in 2026. Engine selection, a launch customer and a firm development schedule remain undecided.