Flyadeal CEO Slams Airbus Over Jet Delivery Delays, Warns of More

Flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway has sharply criticized Airbus for ongoing delays in delivering narrow-body aircraft and voiced concern that similar issues could affect the Saudi low-cost airline’s newly ordered A330neo wide-body jets. Speaking on the sidelines of the IATA summit in New Delhi, Greenway called the delays “inexcusable” and said the lack of transparency is disrupting long-term operational planning.

Greenway revealed that two flyadeal A320neo aircraft have been grounded in Toulouse for months without resolution. The airline had expected four deliveries in the first half of 2025 but received only two—and both arrived late. The remaining jets are now scheduled for Q3 and Q4, though Greenway doubts the timeline will hold.

He added that delays are “on top of delays,” and while acknowledging the pandemic’s impact on aerospace labor and supply chains, he believes the continued setbacks three years later are unacceptable. Airbus declined to comment specifically on the delays but has previously noted progress in stabilizing production.

The delivery slowdown is also linked to delays in receiving CFM engines, which power many Airbus aircraft. Safran, co-owner of CFM with GE Aerospace, said in April that supply chain conditions were improving.

Greenway also expressed concern that the airline’s newly ordered A330neos could face similar delays. Flyadeal’s first wide-body aircraft is scheduled to enter final assembly in December 2025, but the CEO is already preparing for potential setbacks by exploring wet-lease options.

To maintain operations during peak travel months, Cebu Pacific will wet-lease two A320s to flyadeal for July and August.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com, reuters.com