Boeing HQ
Today’s news focuses on Boeing resuming full wide-body production in Everett and impacts of the shortfall in new aircraft and reliability problems.
Boeing has resumed production of the 767F and 777 in Everett post strike, with all of its models currently in production. It also appears, based on daily first flight data, that 737 MAX production is also ramping up in the latter half of the month, albeit likely to slow during the Christmas holidays. Our story on production data provides a snapshot of activity from our tracking model, which is available to our subscribers.
The impacts of the slow pace of delivery pace at both Boeing and Airbus are showing up in data. IATA data on the average age of aircraft shows that the average age of the fleet worldwide has risen to its highest level ever. The lack of new airplanes for replacement and growth has resulted in airlines running older aircraft longer than anticipated, with aftermarket MRO growth exceeding expectations.
Difficulties with engines continue to plague the industry, and today British Airways suspended its London to Abu Dhabi route for six months this summer, citing issues with the Trent 1000. Difficulties with new technology engines that are pushing the forefront of efficiency have had a difficult time with reliability. While those problems are being solved, the pace of that process, combined with a shortage of new aircraft, are causing schedule disruptions at airlines around the world. Unfortunately, popular aircraft like the A321neo and 787 have been impacted.
Finally, the Boeing Starliner astronauts awaiting a SpaceX rescue from the International Space Station will now have to wait a bit longer, as the new capsule that will be sent to the station will now be delayed until late March rather than early February. The eight day trip will now be extended into a nine month ordeal for the crew.
Links to key news items follow:
- Boeing says it has resumed 767, 777 wide-body production – Reuters
- Thankfully, Boeing is producing and delivering again – AirInsight
- Passenger planes older than they have ever been, says IATA – Independent
- British Airways suspends London to Abu Dhabi route amid 787 issues – Aviation A2Z
- The stranded Boeing Starliner astronauts will be stuck in space for even longer – Quartz
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