Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated that the global aircraft shortage will persist for four to five years due to supply chain disruptions at Boeing and Airbus. This has created bottlenecks in narrowbody jet engines, premium seating, and fuselage components.
Amidst an ambitious turnaround since Tata Group’s takeover, Air India’s expansion has been slowed by delivery delays. The airline has been forced to extend the service life of older aircraft, increasing maintenance costs. Wilson emphasised that airlines must be strategic in aircraft deployment to mazimise returns.
In 2023, Air India placed an order for 470 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, including the much-delayed 777X and 737 MAX jets. However, due to production constraints, Wilson remains uncertain about delivery timelines. The airline has also delayed additional Boeing purchases until the manufacturer clears its backlog.
As Boeing faces production caps and ongoing regulatory scrutiny, airlines worldwide struggle to meet growing demand, complicating fleet modernisation plans.