Supply chain challenges affecting major aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus are beginning to ease, according to Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. Speaking at an FII Institute event in Miami, Douglas noted that while difficulties remain, there are signs of gradual improvement. Securing aircraft components has been a significant hurdle for the aviation industry in recent years, driven by pandemic-related disruptions and production slowdowns. Industrial action at Boeing last year further impacted jet manufacturing.
“Are there big challenges out there? Yes, absolutely. Is the supply chain under stress? Yes. But am I seeing signs of moderate improvement? I honestly have to say, yes, I do,” Douglas stated. He highlighted ongoing constraints in the supplier network that serves both Boeing and Airbus but emphasized that Riyadh Air is actively working to navigate these issues.
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air has been expanding its fleet ahead of its official launch. The airline has ordered 60 Airbus A321-family jets and up to 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. It is also in the process of selecting additional wide-body aircraft.
Riyadh Air is expected to begin operations by the end of the year, reaffirming a timeline previously shared by Douglas, who had earlier indicated that flights would commence in the second half of 2025.
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