In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, revealed a significant delay in the delivery of the long-anticipated 777X aircraft, now pushed back to 2026. This news comes as a bitter pill for airlines that have been waiting years for the aircraft, once touted as the game-changer to rival Airbus’s A350.

The 777X program, which was initially set for a 2020 rollout, has faced a series of catastrophic setbacks, including structural issues and supply chain disruptions exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest revelations of cracks in critical engine components have further grounded expectations, leaving airlines like Cathay Pacific and Emirates furious over the repeated failures to meet delivery timelines. Cathay’s Chief Operations Officer expressed disappointment, emphasizing the strain on their aging fleet and the costly retrofitting required to keep it operational.

Ortberg’s announcement not only delays the aircraft but also signals a drastic restructuring at Boeing, including layoffs of approximately 17,000 employees. He stated, “Our business is in a difficult position, and it is hard to overstate the challenges we face together.” This restructuring aims to restore Boeing’s reputation for quality and safety, which has been tarnished by previous management’s profit-driven decisions.

As airlines grow increasingly impatient, the risk of order cancellations looms large. With competitors like Airbus ready to capitalize on Boeing’s missteps, the stakes have never been higher. The aviation world is now watching closely, waiting to see if Ortberg can deliver on his promise to finally get the 777X into the skies by 2026. Failure to do so could deal a devastating blow to Boeing’s future and its standing in the commercial aviation market.