IATA Urges Industry to Address Production Bottlenecks as Shortages Continue.
IATA Urges Industry to Address Production Bottlenecks as Shortages Continue.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has issued a stark warning that the global aircraft supply chain may not stabilize until between 2031 and 2034. This prolonged shortage is due to years of delivery delays and an unprecedented backlog of orders, which continue to put pressure on airlines worldwide.
According to IATA’s latest outlook, aircraft deliveries began to recover in late 2025, with production expected to accelerate further in 2026. However, supply is unlikely to meet the soaring demand over the coming years. The association emphasized that aircraft availability remains one of the most significant constraints on the growth of the aviation industry. Although delivery rates are expected to improve, demand for aircraft and engines is projected to outstrip supply, creating a persistent gap.
The backlog of orders currently exceeds 17,000 aircraft—a figure representing nearly 12 years of production at current rates—far above the typical 30-40% of the active global fleet that backlog usually constitutes. This situation has led to delivery shortfalls of at least 5,300 aircraft, forcing many airlines to extend the operational lifespan of older planes. As a result, the average fleet age has increased to 15.1 years, with passenger fleets averaging 12.8 years and cargo fleets nearing 20 years.
Despite the aging fleets, over 5,000 aircraft remain stored, highlighting ongoing inefficiencies and supply chain disruptions. The backlog and aging aircraft pose significant challenges for the industry, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts to address production bottlenecks and modernize fleets in the years ahead.
