Hexcel Prepares for Sustained Commercial Aircraft Production Ramp-Up

Aerospace supplier sees improving industry backdrop after challenging 2025

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:55pm

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Hexcel executives told investors the company is preparing for a sustained ramp-up in commercial aircraft production after a difficult 2025 marked by OEM destocking, schedule delays, and lingering supply chain constraints. The company outlined a 2026 outlook that assumes improving build rates across key Airbus and Boeing programs, including the A350, A320, 787, and 737 MAX.

Why it matters

As a major supplier of advanced composite materials for the aerospace industry, Hexcel's outlook provides insights into the broader commercial aviation market recovery. The company's projections for increased production across multiple aircraft programs suggest growing confidence in the industry's ability to work through recent challenges and meet robust demand for newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft.

The details

Hexcel reported full-year 2025 sales of $1.894 billion, adjusted EPS of $1.76, and free cash flow of $157 million, with results impacted by Airbus-initiated A350 schedule changes and channel destocking. The company also took charges related to disposing of non-core operations and facility closures as part of footprint rationalization. In Q4 2025, Hexcel saw commercial aerospace sales growth driven by the A320, higher 787 and 737 volumes, and improved regional jet sales, partially offset by lower A350 volume due to destocking. Management pointed to rising commercial order activity late in the year and outlined a 2026 outlook that assumes improving build rates, with assumptions including about 80 A350 units, 'low to mid 700s' A320 units, 'mid-400s' 737 MAX units, and 90-100 787 units.

  • Hexcel reported full-year 2025 results.
  • In Q4 2025, Hexcel saw commercial aerospace sales growth.

The players

Hexcel Corporation

A global leader in advanced composite materials for aerospace and industrial applications.

Tom Gentile

Chairman, CEO and President of Hexcel.

Mike Lenz

Interim CFO of Hexcel.

Jeff Campell

Lead director of Hexcel's board, planning not to stand for re-election after nearly 23 years.

Airbus

A major commercial aircraft manufacturer that is a key customer for Hexcel.

Boeing

A major commercial aircraft manufacturer that is a key customer for Hexcel.

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What they’re saying

“Industry conditions are supportive of elevated production rates over an extended period, citing IATA data showing a commercial aircraft backlog exceeding 17,000 and a delivery shortfall of at least 5,300 aircraft to date.”

— Tom Gentile, Chairman, CEO and President

“Airbus bringing major A350 production in-house as part of the Spirit AeroSystems transaction, which management said removes a prior bottleneck.”

— Tom Gentile, Chairman, CEO and President

What’s next

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The takeaway

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