Supply chain bottlenecks and record demand create a new normal for global aviation
Airlines face rising costs as supply chain delays become the new norm amid record demand. Carriers now fly older planes longer to manage delivery backlogs.
Insights:
The global aviation industry continues to grapple with prolonged supply chain disruptions that have delayed the delivery of critical aircraft and engine components as of February 6, 2026. This ongoing situation, intensified by record-breaking passenger demand throughout 2025 and significant geopolitical constraints on raw materials, has forced major carriers to maintain older, less fuel-efficient aircraft in their fleets. These delays have created a ripple effect across the sector, impacting manufacturers such as Airbus and The Boeing Company , while driving up operating expenses for aircraft manufacturers, engine suppliers, maintenance providers, and airlines.
