A number of reliable sources indicated that the global aviation sector is under widespread pressure, in addition to the crisis of supply chain bottlenecks, which are hindering companies operating in the sector.
It was reported that there are factors causing this crisis, including stricter certification rules and labor shortages caused by the pandemic, that continue to hamper its production, according to what was published by the British newspaper “Financial Times”.
The sources added that it is also a result of the supply chain fluctuation as airlines race to unveil new cabins as the industry recovers from the impact of the pandemic, as Lufthansa in Germany this month unveiled a new set of long-haul cabins as part of a 2.5 billion euro investment, which was delayed. Largely due to supply chain problems.
The sources explained that many airlines are implementing large-scale renewal programs, including the largest modernization program ever from Emirates Airlines, worth two billion dollars, which has led to increased demand on suppliers.
French jet engine maker Safran, which is also one of the largest suppliers of aircraft seats, said business class seats were delivered at a rate of 25% in the first quarter, with some shipments falling to the second quarter on Friday, April 26.
The company's CEO, Olivier Andres, explained that the rules for issuing certifications by regulators have become much more demanding, which affects the entire domestic industry, while the analyst at Partners agency, Nick Cunningham, said that premium seats are of great importance to airlines, as they are part of differentiation for passengers, but it is complex in terms of engineering, manufacturing and certification.
Airbus CEO, Guillaume Faury, added that the company is still suffering from a shortage of cabin equipment supplies, not just seats, as well as aircraft fuselage supplies, and thus this reflects the diversity of difficulties and challenges in the supply chain, while Boeing is making every effort to contain its recent crisis in Following the explosion of part of one of its 737 MAX aircraft.
