Airbus, Boeing Face Bottlenecks Amid Soaring Jet Demand
Airbus and Boeing are facing a rare challenge in aviation: record-breaking demand for their best-selling narrowbody aircraft, coupled with severe supply constraints. Delivery slots for the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX are nearly sold out for the next decade as airlines rush to modernize their fleets and replace older, less efficient jets.
Despite booming orders, both manufacturers are struggling to keep pace due to persistent supply chain bottlenecks, labor shortages, and ongoing engine reliability problems. Engine makers continue to face component delays and production shortfalls, limiting aircraft output even as global air travel exceeds pre-pandemic levels.
While Airbus enjoys a strong order backlog for its A320neo family, its smaller sibling, the A220, is facing headwinds. Once touted as the next-generation regional jet, the A220’s performance has been hampered by issues with Pratt & Whitney’s Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines. Nearly 80 of the 451 A220s delivered remain grounded—a staggering 18% of the fleet—due to engine failures and long turnaround times for repairs.
The A220, inherited from Bombardier in 2018, was meant to bridge the gap between regional jets and larger narrowbodies. However, with only 118 orders for the smaller A220-100 and lingering profitability challenges, Airbus has yet to commit to launching the stretched A220-500 variant. Analysts say the program needs production to increase from eight to at least 14 aircraft per month to achieve profitability, a goal hindered by current supply and labor constraints.
Boeing faces similar struggles with its 737 MAX family, as supply chain disruptions and lingering reputational issues continue to delay production. Both manufacturers remain under immense pressure to deliver newer, greener aircraft as airlines seek to reduce emissions and operating costs.
According to industry estimates, the global commercial aircraft backlog now exceeds 15,000 units, reflecting unprecedented demand for single-aisle jets. Until Airbus and Boeing can stabilize production and resolve supply chain and engine challenges, airlines and lessors may have to accept that delivery delays are the new normal in aviation.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ainonline.com