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Boeing, Airbus struggling to deliver promised jets

Aircraft makers Boeing and Airbus are facing hurdles in the production line. While Airbus has fallen back on the delivery schedule by a few months, Boeing has not rescheduled deliveries despite suffering delays from suppliers.

Wing and fuselage maker, Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. has fallen behind due to internal production issues. The company supplies components to both Airbus and Boeing. Boeing has planned to deliver more than 800 units this year, with an increase to more than 900 by 2020.

For 2018, Airbus had promised 80 more jets than last year, but the total aircraft number of aircrafts delivered so far is less than last year's number for the same period. The Airbus A321neo and the A320neo are on hold due to the lack of engines. The A321neo gets its engines from CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric and Safran Aircraft Engines. Earlier this year, Airbus had over 100 finished aircrafts waiting for engines. Boeing has also faced delays due to engine supply issues for its 737 Max planes.

The delay is also affecting airline customers. Primera Air and British Airways (BA), who had placed orders for the A321neo and A320neo respectively, had to make alternate arrangements. While Primera has postponed plans for trans-Atlantic flights, BA resorted to renting some jets and using older and less efficient planes till the new aircrafts arrive. Airbus also sources its engines from Pratt & Whitney, who were also delayed due to a design issue causing premature failure on certain components. Airbus, who had planned around 800 deliveries this year, claims that Pratt & Whitney are now delivering as per schedule.

The surge in aircraft orders is mostly due to the increasing demand for air travel. 2018 is expected to be the ninth year in a row showing an increase in the number of air passengers. Operators also want to use the latest fuel-efficient jets for reduced operating costs.

Source: WSJ

 

 
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