Airbus delivered about 70 jets in March, industry sources say

PARIS (Reuters) -Airbus delivered about 70 planes in March, industry sources said on Tuesday, up about 11% from March last year but leaving the European group a steep path towards its 2025 target.

The world's largest planemaker declined to comment ahead of a monthly progress report to be published next week.

If confirmed, the estimated March level would bring Airbus deliveries for the first quarter to around 135 aircraft, lagging the 142 seen in the same period last year.

Airbus has warned that first-quarter deliveries would be constrained due mainly to a shortage of engines from its biggest supplier CFM, which brought forward some supplies to the previous quarter to help Airbus meet its 2024 targets.

Airbus is targeting 820 deliveries for the whole year.

"They are going to have to up the pace significantly in the rest of year to correct the trajectory towards 820," said Rob Morris, global head of consultancy at UK-based Cirium Ascend, who also estimates the planemaker delivered 70 jets in March.

A Reuters reporter witnessed a handful of undelivered jets awaiting their engines during a visit to the planemaker's Toulouse headquarters for an industry event last week.

Analysts say the rhythm of deliveries, which account for most revenues, will be under scrutiny in coming months as aerospace and other industries gear up for possible new trade tariffs that could affect parts and raw materials.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by David Goodman and Jan Harvey)