Airlines are bracing themselves for a rough start to 2023. This comes as manufacturers struggle to keep up with the scheduled delivery pace.
Norwegian confirmed to Cirium that they would experience a delay in the delivery of their upcoming new aircraft. This is related to their forthcoming 737 MAX.
While confirming the delivery delay, Norwegian will not be the only customer affected by a widespread problem hurting customers. In addition, it doesn’t solely impact the MAX program or Boeing. Manufacturers around the globe are feeling the pressures as their supply chains come under tight pressure.
According to AerCap, the world’s largest aircraft lessor, this isn’t fresh news. However, they believe there’s a broader problem with communication and transparency over delays, notably Airbus overpromising and underdelivering.
Norwegian has a fleet of Boeing 737-800s, with 40 currently in service. The airline, however, is expecting to welcome 59 of the 737 MAX 8 aircraft in the future. These MAX deliveries are scheduled to conclude in 2028. After that, however, there’s been a discussion the carrier may look to extend its commitment.
The Norway-based carrier has, in recent times, undergone a mammoth restructure that has seen the airline cut its operations, remove widebody aircraft and streamline. These decisions, amongst others, all hope to create a more stable carrier for the long term.
