Emirates President Sir Tim Clark has criticised Boeing's protracted 777X delivery schedule and renewed his backing for a modernised Airbus A380, according to an interview on Aviation Week's Window Seat podcast reported by Aviation A2Z. Clark noted that while the airline continues to perform strongly, operations face headwinds from aircraft supply constraints, elevated fuel costs, and regional geopolitical tensions.
Clark reiterated that Emirates formally informed Boeing years ago, both verbally and in writing, that it will reject early-production 777-9 airframes manufactured in 2018 and 2019 that have remained in storage. He voiced frustration toward both Boeing and sole engine supplier General Electric over the lack of a reliable delivery schedule, highlighting that nearly 700 orders across the airline industry originally slated for delivery between 2020 and 2029 remain unfulfilled.
Turning to Emirates' current operations, Clark disclosed that seven Airbus A380s are currently grounded because their engines have reached cycle limits and require major overhauls. Although contracted engine overhaul turnaround times with GE and Pratt & Whitney are approximately 85 days, actual turnaround times have stretched beyond 350 days due to supply chain and material shortages.
Clark argued that while the incoming Boeing 777-9 will serve as the airline's flagship twinjet, it cannot fully reproduce the interior volume and passenger experience offered by the double-decker A380. He urged planemakers to develop ultra-large passenger jets designed for the next 50 years to alleviate slot restrictions at major global hubs and serve growing long-haul passenger demand.
Sources
- Aviation A2Z · 2026-11-03
