Emirates Airlines Expresses Discontent with Boeing’s Aircraft Delays: “Get Your Act Together!”
Dubai’s flagship carrier, Emirates, has become increasingly vocal in its frustration over Boeing’s safety crisis and the resulting delays in order deliveries. With 245 passenger planes and five 778 freighters on order, Emirates is Boeing’s largest customer for wide-body jets.
Disappointment with Boeing’s Performance
“We’re not happy with what’s going on,” lamented Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and CEO of Emirates. “There is a delay, and it’s not only to us.”
Al Maktoum echoes the concerns of many airline CEOs who expect Boeing to fulfill its promises. “They have to put a lot of pressure on themselves to deliver whatever they promised,” he emphasized.
A Call for Action
Al Maktoum’s message to Boeing is clear: “Get your act together and just do it.” He believes the plane maker has the capability to address the current issues and restore confidence.
“I think they can do it,” he said. “They need to keep working on it until they get it right.”
Boeing’s Comprehensive Corrective Action Plan
Boeing’s newly appointed management team is tasked with navigating the company’s worst crisis since the fatal crashes of two 737 Max jets in 2018 and 2019.
Following a six-week audit by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in January, Boeing and its supplier Spirit AeroSystems were found to have violated manufacturing quality control requirements. The FAA has demanded that Boeing implement a comprehensive corrective action plan to address systemic quality-control issues and its safety culture.
In response, Boeing has stated that it is working on immediate changes and developing a comprehensive plan to strengthen safety and quality.
No Plans to Cancel Boeing Orders
Despite the ongoing issues, Emirates has not indicated any intention to cancel its Boeing orders or switch to its European rival, Airbus. Al Maktoum stated that Emirates is currently refurbishing a significant number of aircraft within its existing fleet, mitigating any potential capacity shortages.
Outlook for Boeing
Boeing’s new management team faces a daunting task in restoring confidence and ensuring the quality and safety of its aircraft. The ability of the company to address the FAA’s concerns and deliver on its promises will be crucial in determining its future success.
Data sourced from: cnbc.com
