Airbus reports falling profts as jet deliveries slow

airbus reported first-quarter profits that halved from a year ago, with adjusted operating profit down 52% to 300 million euros — well below the 378 million analysts expected. revenue fell 7% to 12.65 billion euros, though earnings per share of 74 cents beat the 44-cent forecast. the company delivered 114 commercial aircraft in the quarter, down from 136 a year earlier. it reiterated its 2026 target of 870 deliveries, fewer than the roughly 880 analysts expected, citing engine shortages from supplier pratt & whitney. ceo guillaume faury said the company is monitoring potential impacts from conflict in the middle east but gave no details. commercial aircraft unit sales fell 11% in the quarter. helicopters were flat, while defence and space grew 7%. gross orders hit 408, up 46% from last year. analysts note investor sentiment has soured as rival boeing gets back on track after its own crisis.