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Airbus and Boeing clinched new deals with Asian airlines at the Singapore Airshow amid challenges due to supply chain disruptions
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The aircraft manufacturers are grappling with delivery delays even as global airlines are rushing to expand their fleets
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Boeing said Thai Airways placed an order for 45 wide-body 787-9 aircraft, the largest aircraft deal in Thailand, with deliveries set in 2027
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Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines ordered five A350 freighters and three A330neo wide-body passenger jets from Airbus, marking its first order for freighter jets
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Boeing also revealed a firm order from Royal Brunei Airlines for four 787-9 Dreamliners, scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2028
Airbus and Boeing clinched new deals with Asian airlines during the Singapore Airshow amid challenges due to supply chain disruptions.
Both aircraft manufacturers are grappling with delivery delays at a time when global airlines are rushing to expand their fleets.
Boeing, facing safety and quality control issues, announced that Thai Airways made the largest-ever aircraft deal in Thailand, placing a firm order for 45 wide-body 787-9 aircraft.
Deliveries are set to start in 2027 as the airline aims to open new routes supporting high demand in Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines ordered five A350 freighters and three A330neo wide-body passenger jets from Airbus, marking its first order for freighter jets.
Starlux aims to capitalize on cargo flows from Asian markets to North America, with plans to expand routes beyond Asia, according to its chairman, Chang Kuo-wei.
Despite the challenging supply landscape, Boeing also revealed a firm order from Royal Brunei Airlines for four 787-9 Dreamliners, scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2028.
While the Asia-Pacific aviation market faces a slower recovery, aircraft manufacturing companies anticipate strong fleet demand in Southeast Asia.
Boeing forecasts the region’s need for 4,225 new planes by 2042, constituting about 10% of the global demand for 42,595 aircraft.
Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus’ core commercial aircraft business, acknowledged supply chain “pinch points” at every level, including raw materials and engines. He emphasized the industry’s collective effort to address challenges in the production ramp-up in an interview with reporters at the airshow on February 20.
READ: Airlines cut flights, work on fleet expansion to minimize cancellations
