Cathay Pacific has publicly called out Boeing, exposing a massive crisis surrounding the much-anticipated 777X aircraft. Once heralded as the future of long-haul travel, the 777X has faced a barrage of setbacks, including engine failures, certification hurdles, and a catastrophic stress test failure, pushing its delivery timeline from 2020 to a dismal 2026. This relentless series of delays has left Cathay Pacific and other major airlines, like Emirates and Singapore Airlines, teetering on the brink of frustration.

Alex McGowan, Cathay Pacific’s Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer, did not mince words, stating, “We want all our aircraft and we’d like them to be delivered at the time that they’re promised.” This stark declaration underscores the airline’s growing impatience and the dire implications for its fleet strategy. With 21 777X jets on order, Cathay’s plans hinge on Boeing’s ability to resolve these crippling issues.

The stakes are sky-high. Airlines are being forced to rely on older, less efficient aircraft, burning more fuel and incurring higher maintenance costs while they wait for Boeing to deliver on its promises. As patience wears thin, Cathay has begun diversifying its fleet, recently ordering 30 A330 NEOs and six A350 freighters—a clear signal that they are no longer willing to wait indefinitely for Boeing.

The aviation giant is now facing a crisis of confidence. As other airlines follow suit, shifting their orders to Airbus, Boeing risks losing its grip on the market. If these delays continue, Cathay Pacific’s potential cancellation of its 777X order could mark a catastrophic turning point for Boeing, jeopardizing its reputation and dominance in long-haul aviation. The clock is ticking, and every day brings Boeing closer to a potentially irreversible fallout. How much longer can Boeing afford to keep airlines waiting?