As Boeing stabilises under new leadership, Emirates eyes cautious optimism amid continued delays and global aerospace supply chain woes
In a significant shift of tone, Emirates Airline President Sir Tim Clark has acknowledged recent signs of improvement at Boeing, expressing cautious optimism about the American aerospace giant’s recovery. Speaking on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) summit, Clark highlighted a “greater degree of determination” from Boeing’s new leadership to resolve lingering issues that have hampered production and strained airline relationships worldwide.
Boeing has endured a tumultuous few years, including a quality control crisis, regulatory setbacks, and a labour strike that shut down production of most of its aircraft in 2023. Now, under fresh leadership and renewed focus, the company is working to stabilise operations and ramp up aircraft production — efforts that Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is watching closely.
777X Delays and Cautious Confidence
One of the most critical concerns for Emirates has been the delayed delivery of Boeing’s next-generation wide-body aircraft, the 777X. Emirates currently has 205 of the type on order, making it Boeing’s largest customer for the aircraft. Originally expected to enter service in 2020, the 777X is now anticipated to be delivered between the second half of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027 — a six-year delay.
Despite the frustration, Clark said discussions with Boeing leadership suggest a “more positive tone” and an increasing level of confidence regarding the aircraft’s certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “There are signs that Boeing is working hard to course-correct,” he noted.
Supply Chain Accountability
While Boeing’s trajectory appears to be improving, Clark didn’t hold back on broader criticisms of the aerospace manufacturing sector. He called out both Boeing and Airbus for ongoing supply chain bottlenecks that continue to delay aircraft deliveries across the industry.
“I am pretty tired of seeing the hand-wringing about the supply chain: you [manufacturers] are the supply chain,” he stated pointedly, underscoring the need for OEMs to take responsibility rather than deflect blame.
Airbus, too, is reportedly warning clients that aircraft delivery delays could persist for another three years as it works through a backlog of supply-related issues. Clark was quick to dismiss the pandemic as a valid excuse in 2025. “It’s a highly consolidated industry … I don’t think they’ve managed to strip out the inefficiencies of the smaller units they brought together,” he said, referencing the structural complexity of today’s aerospace giants.
Engine Challenges and Tariffs
Clark also touched on engine suppliers, revealing that Emirates has not yet seen a shift in travel demand resulting from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. He expects GE Aerospace — Emirates’ primary engine partner — to absorb much of the impact, although GE has indicated it is passing on surcharge costs to customers.
Meanwhile, Emirates continues to keep a close eye on Britain’s Rolls-Royce. Clark has previously criticised the firm for maintenance issues associated with engines operating in the Gulf’s extreme heat. However, he maintained that opportunities still exist for Rolls-Royce — particularly with the Airbus A350-1000 — if performance standards can be met.
A potential deal involving Rolls-powered A350s, previously derailed due to engine durability concerns at the 2023 Dubai Airshow, may still be on the table in time for the next edition in November.
As Emirates evaluates the shifting aerospace landscape, Clark’s remarks suggest a blend of hard-earned realism and cautious optimism. The airline remains deeply invested in the performance and reliability of its key suppliers, but with Boeing making visible efforts to rebuild confidence, the skies may finally be clearing for the beleaguered manufacturer — and for the global aviation industry as a whole.
