Paris, Jan 18, 2026, 23:16 CET — Market closed.
- Airbus shares ended Friday at 217.40 euros, up 1.2%, ahead of Monday’s reopen.
- France awarded Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group a contract for six VSR700 uncrewed systems; financial terms were not disclosed.
- Investors are bracing for Airbus’ Feb. 19 results for clues on 2026 production and cash.
Airbus shares closed up 1.2% at 217.40 euros on Friday, the last session before the weekend break, leaving the stock near recent highs as investors head into a new week of trading. 1
The move keeps Airbus up about 10% so far in 2026, a run that has left little room for fresh production stumbles in its core jet business. 2
That matters now because Airbus is due to publish full-year results on Feb. 19, when it is expected to detail how it plans to translate a packed order book into deliveries and cash in 2026. 3
On the defence side, Airbus said on Friday its helicopters unit and Naval Group won a contract from France’s defence procurement agency to produce six VSR700 uncrewed aerial systems for the French Navy, with operations slated from 2028. Airbus Helicopters chief executive Bruno Even said the group was “fully committed to delivering this much-needed operational capability.” 4
Broader European markets ended the week in a holding pattern. The pan-European STOXX 600 finished flat on Friday, and Morningstar strategist Michael Field said “the margin of safety” investors previously had “is gone.” 5
Airbus’ bigger test is still the civil jet ramp. Earlier this month, the company said 2025 deliveries rose 4% to 793 aircraft and it booked 1,000 gross orders, or 889 net orders after cancellations. Outgoing commercial aircraft chief Christian Scherer said A320neo-family engines were arriving “very, very late” and that the trend was continuing into 2026 as Airbus discussed volumes with Pratt & Whitney; independent aviation analyst Rob Morris pointed to “an increasingly complex supply chain” the industry is “not fully on top of.” 6
Deliveries matter because that is when planemakers collect most of the cash tied to aircraft sales. Airbus has been trying to lift output while suppliers deal with shortages and quality snags that have repeatedly slowed the industry since the pandemic.
The competitive backdrop stays tight. Boeing remains Airbus’ main rival in large commercial jets, and any sign that either company is pulling ahead — on output, order flow or regulatory issues — tends to ripple into Airbus’ valuation quickly.
But the downside case is straightforward: if engine deliveries slip again or other bottlenecks flare up, Airbus could face another year where the factory pace does not match demand, pushing deliveries and cash generation into later periods. The French Navy drone contract is strategically useful, but it is unlikely to move the needle financially by itself.
When Euronext Paris reopens on Monday, investors will watch for follow-through after Friday’s close and for any fresh order headlines. The next hard catalyst is Airbus’ Feb. 19 results, with the spotlight on 2026 delivery ambitions, cash flow and what management says about the engine supply fight.
