Airbus third quarter revenue and profit climb on defence boost

European plane-maker Airbus SE said Wednesday its third-quarter net profit surged by 14% to EUR1.1 billion on the back of strong military and helicopter sales.

Revenue likewise rose by 14% compared to the same period a year ago, and by 7% in the first nine months of the year to more than EUR47 billion – with over EUR9 billion coming from the defence division.

The overall results for the first three quarters of 2025 "reflect the level of commercial aircraft deliveries and a solid performance in the Defence and Space and Helicopters businesses", said Chief Executive Guillaume Faury in the earnings statement.

He said deliveries were strong "amid a complex and dynamic operating environment" and the firm was looking to "create a new European leader" in the space market along with aerospace companies Leonardo Spa and Thales SA.

Net commercial aircraft orders over the first three quarters totalled 514 and the company "continues to ramp up" production of its medium-range A320 line, it said.

The medium-haul segment accounts for most orders by airlines, and Airbus took the lead over its rival Boeing when it introduced a new generation of its A320 family of aircraft that offered considerable fuel savings.

Airbus said it aimed for around 820 commercial aircraft deliveries in 2025, assuming "no additional disruptions to global trade or the world economy."

Its US rival Boeing Co has retaken the lead in terms of orders in 2025 as it benefits from the aggressive trade lobbying of US President Donald Trump.

Boeing had racked up 774 net orders as of the end of September, compared to 514 for Airbus. Last year Airbus was far ahead with 648 compared to 272 for Boeing.