The world’s airlines are staring at losses of over $11 billion in 2025 as persistent supply chain disruptions continue to throttle aircraft production and delay deliveries, according to a new joint study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and consulting firm Oliver Wyman.
Titled 'Reviving the Commercial Aircraft Supply Chain', the report paints a grim picture of an industry struggling to meet soaring passenger demand amid clogged production lines, component shortages, and labour constraints.
Global backlogs have reached a record 17,000 aircraft in 2024, up sharply from the pre-pandemic average of 13,000 between 2010 and 2019. This slowdown has forced airlines to keep older, less fuel-efficient planes in service far longer than planned.
IATA estimates that the financia