Airbus was confident it could capitalize this year on a postpandemic surge in demand, but the world's biggest jet maker has suffered a change in fortunes. At the start of 2024, Airbus had just smashed its record for annual orders, airlines were clamoring for more jets and production was ramping up. The company’s only significant rival, Boeing, was in an escalating crisis after a panel blew off a 737 midflight.