In a stunning revelation that could shake the foundations of the commercial aviation industry, Cathay Pacific’s leadership has publicly condemned Boeing for significant delays in the delivery of the long-awaited 777X aircraft. The Hong Kong-based airline, which heavily relies on the Boeing 777 series for its long-haul operations, had pinned its hopes on the 777X to modernize its fleet and enhance operational efficiency. However, with Boeing now pushing the delivery timeline to 2026, Cathay Pacific finds itself in a precarious position.

Cathay’s Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer, Alex Macwan, expressed the airline’s frustration during a recent event, stating, “We want all our aircraft delivered on time. When they are not, that’s a disappointment to us.” This sentiment echoes across the industry, as other major airlines, including Emirates, voice similar grievances against Boeing’s handling of the situation. Emirates President Tim Clark emphasized the financial burden these delays have imposed, revealing that the airline has incurred substantial costs in retrofitting its aging fleet due to Boeing’s failures.

The implications of these delays are staggering. Cathay Pacific, originally planning to phase out its older 777-300ERs, is now forced to invest billions in retrofitting these aircraft, diverting funds that could have been used for critical operational improvements. Meanwhile, the airline has begun securing orders with Airbus, signaling a potential shift in allegiance as it seeks to mitigate the impact of Boeing’s setbacks.

As Boeing grapples with quality control issues and an uncertain future for the 777X, the stakes have never been higher. The company must urgently address these challenges to regain the trust of airlines like Cathay Pacific, or risk losing its competitive edge to rival manufacturers. With the aviation market rebounding post-pandemic, the pressure is mounting for Boeing to deliver on its promises—before it’s too late.