Air Cargo

Boeing Halts 777, 767 Freighter Output Over Parts Supply Standoff

Boeing suspended production of its 777 and 767 freighter aircraft following a supplier dispute. The disagreement centered on a fixed trailing-edge rib kit supplier and cost the airframe manufacturer approximately $6.5 million daily. Although resolved in late September, manufacturing operations remained stalled. Two 777 aircraft were affected by the halt, including one destined for FedEx. Boeing plans to bring the component production in-house to reduce reliance on external suppliers. The company maintains 38 outstanding 777 freighter orders from customers including FedEx, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, and China Southern Cargo. Nine unfilled 767-300F orders remain, primarily for UPS. An FAA emissions exemption granted to Boeing enables sales of 35 additional 777Fs through 2027. The production delay compounds widebody capacity constraints affecting the air cargo sector amid sustained demand growth.