New Airbus commercial chief prioritizes production stability and signals openness to larger A220

Airbus’ new head of commercial aircraft has indicated that stabilizing and increasing production across key programs will be his immediate priority, while also signaling support for a larger variant of the A220 regional jet during his first public appearance since taking office, according to Reuters.

Speaking at the Airline Economics conference in Dublin, Lars Wagner, who took over as chief executive of Airbus’ commercial aircraft division on January 1, said supply chain constraints continue to weigh on output as the manufacturer works to raise production rates.

Airbus has struggled to reach its target of 75 single-aisle aircraft per month and is gradually increasing widebody output, including the A350.

Wagner said addressing ramp-up challenges across the industrial system is his first task, noting that production pressures extend beyond Airbus itself to suppliers and engine manufacturers.

He also pointed to engine durability as a key issue for future narrowbody development, arguing that reliability needs to be resolved before additional efficiency gains are pursued.

A220-500

The new chief also appeared receptive to market interest in a larger version of the A220, informally referred to as the 'A220-500', responding positively when the topic was raised by Air Lease Corp chief executive John Plueger during a public exchange on stage. 

The question of stretching the A220 has been debated for years, with leasing companies divided over whether Airbus should prioritize factory performance over product expansion.

Wagner avoided committing to specific strategic moves, emphasizing that he is still early in the role. His remarks came as leasing executives renewed pressure on Airbus and Boeing to improve delivery reliability, arguing that predictability remains critical as airlines and lessors manage long-term fleet plans worth billions of dollars.

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