During the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun shared a significant supply chain forecast for the aviation industry, stating that supply chain issues are likely to persist until the end of 2024. Calhoun emphasized the need for stability in the industry and expressed the urgency to resolve the ongoing supply chain problems.
Speaking at the event in Doha, Calhoun stressed that resolving supply chain issues is a complex task that requires a comprehensive solution. He anticipated that addressing these challenges would take the entirety of this year and possibly extend into the next year.
The CEO’s supply chain forecast aligns with previous statements made by Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, who had stated last month that production levels would return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024 or even in 2025.
Despite the disruptions caused by the supply chain issues, Calhoun expressed confidence that recent manufacturing problems with Boeing’s popular 737 narrow-body jet would not significantly delay production schedules. He estimated that the impact would be limited to a delay of “maybe a month or a month and a half.”
Regarding future developments, Calhoun stated that the introduction of all-new jet designs in the industry is unlikely to occur before the mid-2030s. He attributed this timeline to constraints related to propulsion and wing design, which pose challenges to the development of groundbreaking aircraft.
However, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, also speaking at the panel, urged leading aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer to begin exploring new innovations rather than waiting for one another to initiate the next wave of advancements.
While Boeing had previously intended to launch a new mid-market plane to fill the gap left by the out-of-production 757 aircraft, Calhoun called off the project in early 2020, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach.
Engine manufacturers in the industry anticipate that the next significant advancements in fuel efficiency and emissions reduction, substantial enough to justify the introduction of a groundbreaking new aircraft, will likely not materialize until well into the next decade.
The aviation industry will closely monitor the efforts of Boeing and other key players in resolving supply chain challenges, as stability and efficiency are essential for sustained growth and meeting future demands.
