Emirates Signals ‘Serious Talks’ with Boeing
Emirates Airlines' president has indicated that the airline will engage in “serious conversations” with Boeing regarding yet another setback in the delivery of its 777X model. Read Full Article at RT.com
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The president of Emirates, one of the largest international airlines globally, has indicated that the carrier will engage in “serious conversations” with Boeing following the recent announcement of further delays to its 777X model.
Boeing confirmed last week that the first delivery of the widebody aircraft will be postponed to 2026, nearly six years after it was originally scheduled to be delivered to customers.
In response to the delay, Emirates president Tim Clark remarked on Monday that the airline “has had to make significant and highly expensive amendments to our fleet programs as a result of Boeing’s multiple contractual shortfalls, and we will be having a serious conversation with them over the next couple of months.”
As the United Arab Emirates’ flagship carrier, Emirates holds one of the largest orders for Boeing’s widebody aircraft, with 150 planes outstanding.
The first 777Xs were initially set for delivery in 2021, but Boeing has consistently delayed the launch. In August, the manufacturer suspended flight tests for the 777X upon discovering cracks in a crucial component that connects the engines to the wings.
These delivery delays come amid Boeing's struggles with certification issues and labor strikes that involve nearly 33,000 of its US workers. Ongoing strikes have disrupted the production of Boeing’s top-selling planes, such as the 737 MAX, 777, and 767, and have also halted the 777X test program.
Last week, Boeing announced intentions to reduce its workforce by 17,000 employees over the coming months, reflecting nearly 10% of its total staff, as the company's financial losses continue to escalate.
Clark voiced his disappointment regarding the revised timelines for the 777X deliveries, which have been echoed by other airline executives facing supply challenges amid a surge in travel demand. “Given the Type Inspection Authorization halt on the 777X with no clear timeline for the restart, coupled with strikes entering a fourth week, I fail to see how Boeing can make any meaningful forecasts of delivery dates,” he stated.
In light of the delays, Emirates has initiated a $3 billion retrofit program to upgrade 191 aircraft. This initiative involves enhancing the airline’s existing Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 fleets by installing next-generation seating and refreshing the interiors to extend their operational lifespan.
The prolonged delays have compelled the airline to extend the lifespans of its current jets, leading to increased maintenance costs for the aircraft.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
Boeing confirmed last week that the first delivery of the widebody aircraft will be postponed to 2026, nearly six years after it was originally scheduled to be delivered to customers.
In response to the delay, Emirates president Tim Clark remarked on Monday that the airline “has had to make significant and highly expensive amendments to our fleet programs as a result of Boeing’s multiple contractual shortfalls, and we will be having a serious conversation with them over the next couple of months.”
As the United Arab Emirates’ flagship carrier, Emirates holds one of the largest orders for Boeing’s widebody aircraft, with 150 planes outstanding.
The first 777Xs were initially set for delivery in 2021, but Boeing has consistently delayed the launch. In August, the manufacturer suspended flight tests for the 777X upon discovering cracks in a crucial component that connects the engines to the wings.
These delivery delays come amid Boeing's struggles with certification issues and labor strikes that involve nearly 33,000 of its US workers. Ongoing strikes have disrupted the production of Boeing’s top-selling planes, such as the 737 MAX, 777, and 767, and have also halted the 777X test program.
Last week, Boeing announced intentions to reduce its workforce by 17,000 employees over the coming months, reflecting nearly 10% of its total staff, as the company's financial losses continue to escalate.
Clark voiced his disappointment regarding the revised timelines for the 777X deliveries, which have been echoed by other airline executives facing supply challenges amid a surge in travel demand. “Given the Type Inspection Authorization halt on the 777X with no clear timeline for the restart, coupled with strikes entering a fourth week, I fail to see how Boeing can make any meaningful forecasts of delivery dates,” he stated.
In light of the delays, Emirates has initiated a $3 billion retrofit program to upgrade 191 aircraft. This initiative involves enhancing the airline’s existing Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 fleets by installing next-generation seating and refreshing the interiors to extend their operational lifespan.
The prolonged delays have compelled the airline to extend the lifespans of its current jets, leading to increased maintenance costs for the aircraft.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
