Riyadh Aviation CEO: Airline supply chain problems are starting to improve

The supply chains of aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus are showing signs of moderate improvement, said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Aviation.

Securing sufficient spare parts for both new and existing aircraft has been a major problem for the aviation industry in recent years. The reasons ranged from the general disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic to strikes at Boeing that halted production of most aircraft for seven weeks last fall.

“Are there significant challenges – yes, absolutely there are. Are the supply chains under tremendous pressure – yes, yes,” Douglas said at the Future Investment Initiative in Miami, according to Reuters.

“But do I see signs of moderate improvement? I have to be honest, yes I do,” he added.

Douglas pointed out that one of the ongoing obstacles is the suppliers that provide services to both Boeing and Airbus, describing them as “exacerbating” the problems. He indicated that Riyadh Aviation is working to overcome any challenges.