Aircraft certification delays have reached "unprecedented" levels, with Boeing and Airbus delivery delays hitting record highs.

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The world’s two largest aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, are facing “unprecedented” delays in aircraft certification and delivery, severely impacting airlines’ expansion plans and decarbonization goals.

Ben Smith, CEO of the Air France-KLM Group, warned at an online press conference for European airlines on Tuesday that the wait time for certification of certain long-haul aircraft has reached seven to eight years, setting a new record.

Smith stated that every supplier has fallen behind schedule, and there has been no sign of improvement for airlines since the end of the pandemic. These delays are causing severe backlogs at major European airlines.

Ongoing Supply Chain Crisis Plagues Aircraft Manufacturers

Since the pandemic severely disrupted supply chains, Boeing and Airbus have struggled to deliver products on time. The Boeing 777X program has become a typical example of delays, with the scheduled delivery of this wide-body aircraft postponed by six years.

According to a previous report by Bloomberg News, the 777X is now expected to enter commercial operation in early 2027, about a year later than previously planned. Major customers such as Lufthansa and IAG are still waiting for delivery of this aircraft.

Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr stated at the conference that the U.S. government shutdown has halted aircraft inspections, which has also affected approval of a type of seat on the company’s new Boeing 787 aircraft.

Positive Signs Emerge in the Short-Haul Aircraft Market

Despite serious delays in long-haul aircraft deliveries, airline executives are showing more optimism regarding the short-haul aircraft market.

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said that Boeing had made “significant progress” in increasing production of the 737 Max jet, although deliveries are still lagging.

This positive sign offers a glimmer of hope for the troubled Boeing, which has been working hard to restore production and delivery capacity for the 737 Max.

U.S. Government Shutdown Exacerbates Industry Difficulties

The U.S. government shutdown has dealt multiple blows to the aviation industry, not only halting critical aircraft inspections, but also affecting international cooperation. Spohr pointed out that the gridlock in Washington has also impacted Lufthansa’s flight connections with American partners.

Smith expressed pessimism about any improvement in the short term, believing that all parties involved should not hold out much hope for the near future. This ongoing uncertainty is forcing airlines to reassess their fleet expansion and renewal plans.

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