Manufacturing & Supply Chain

The current delivery crisis shows how Airbus struggles to modernize.

Boeing estimates that 75% of the 225 737 MAXs in the company’s undelivered inventory must be repaired.

The company said May 3 that “the industrial planning for this variant is being slightly adjusted with the entry-into-service now slipping into 2026.”

The technology of thermoplastic composites is coming closer to enabling higher production rates, as well as improved aircraft and engine designs.

Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr expects engine shortages will continue to significantly affect the group’s airlines, particularly Swiss.

Howmet Aerospace is ready to support Boeing in its ramp-up of monthly production of new 737 MAX narrowbodies.

Aviation industry and environmental campaigners welcome ReFuelEU accord but stress the need for further progress.

The carrier estimates it has lost INR108 billion ($1.3 billion) in revenues and additional expenses due to the engine-related groundings.

The U.S. lessor is saying it expects to be compensated by airframers for delayed aircraft deliveries, claiming those companies ramped up production too quickly.

Tools created to save ailing suppliers, such as a dedicated investment fund, are becoming permanent.

Competition from lower-tier suppliers and other countries is picking up.

The first visit in four years by U.S. defense contractors to the island democracy will focus on joint production of drones and ammunition.

Industry needs a reversal of R&D tax amortization and passage of FAA and defense authorization bills.

Top executives see midterm relief from supply chain issues by 2024 but a lot of work in the near term.

A holding company owned by Airbus, Safran and Tikehau Capital has finalized the acquisition of Aubert & Duval, a French critical-parts and metals supplier.

Spirit Airlines expects to see some reduction in Airbus A320neo engine issues this year, but a return to normal could be up to 10 months away.

The French aerospace industry’s lobby group GIFAS is trying to help its members overcome unprecedented difficulties in hiring.

Regional aircraft manufacturers see opportunities in broadening their aftermarket services portfolios beyond their product lines.

Indigo Partners is warning that aircraft supply chain issues could be prolonged as far out as 2028.

Boeing expects several months of 737 production-line and delivery disruptions while repairs to non-conforming parts on nearly 200 737 MAXs are made.

The move comes after Airbus had missed its 2022 delivery targets for the A320neo program by a significant margin.

GKN Aerospace is gearing up to begin production of its first load-bearing additive-manufactured components.

Engine unit and aftermarket sales have been brisk, particularly to China, where commercial air traffic has grown since Beijing ended its zero-COVID policy.

While the short-term economic situation is uncertain, conversion specialists say long-term trends justify full orderbooks.

Boeing’s global search for engineering talent has spawned a lawsuit in Brazil over alleged damage to national security.