Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Airlines Face Aircraft Shortage Challenges
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says that airlines are having a hard time getting enough new airplanes.
This is because there is a big backlog of orders, and the supply chain is not keeping up with demand.
The average age of airplanes is getting higher, which means airlines have to spend more on leasing and maintenance.
This is making it harder for airlines to grow and serve customers well.
The problem is especially bad in places like India, where airlines have ordered a lot of new planes but are facing delivery delays.
The IATA says that everyone involved needs to work faster to fix these issues before they get worse.
Aircraft shortage is a significant constraint on airline industry growth, with a delivery shortfall of around 5,300 aircraft.
The order backlog surpasses 17,000 aircraft, equivalent to nearly 60% of the active fleet.
The average fleet age has risen to 15.1 years, with passenger aircraft at 12.8 years and cargo aircraft at 19.6 years.
Supply chain challenges, including tariffs and labor shortages, are worsening the aircraft availability issue.
Indian airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air have significant aircraft orders but are facing delivery delays.
- Who
- International Air Transport Association (IATA) and global airlines
- What
- Aircraft shortage and supply chain challenges impacting airline industry growth
- When
- 2025 and 2026
- Where
- Globally, with significant impact on the Asia Pacific region
- Why
- Due to delivery shortfalls, supply chain bottlenecks, and geopolitical tensions
Airlines
Aerospace Supply Chain
Aircraft Availability
Airlines
Airlines are struggling with a significant shortage of aircraft, which is limiting their growth and operational flexibility.
Aerospace Supply Chain
The aerospace supply chain is facing challenges in meeting the high demand for new aircraft, leading to delivery delays and production bottlenecks.
Cost Implications
Airlines
Airlines are experiencing higher leasing costs and increased maintenance expenses due to the aircraft shortage.
Aerospace Supply Chain
Supply chain issues, including tariffs and labor shortages, are driving up production costs and delaying aircraft deliveries.
- Aircraft Delivery Shortfall
- 5,300 aircraft
- Order Backlog
- 17,000 aircraft
- Average Fleet Age
- 15.1 years
- Passenger Aircraft Age
- 12.8 years
- Cargo Aircraft Age
- 19.6 years
- Wide-Body Fleet Age
- 14.5 years
- IndiGo's Order Book
- 900 aircraft
- Air India's Additional Order
- 100 Airbus aircraft
- Akasa Air's Order
- 226 Boeing 737 MAX planes
Sources
IATA Projects Global Airline Industry to Post Record USD 41 Billion Profit in 2026
Global airlines set to post record profits in 2026 even as supply-chain strain, geopolitical risks persist: IATA
Aviation sector hits turbulence: JP Morgan lists 5 key challenges; IndiGo, Air India in focus
Aircraft availability a significant constraints on airline industry growth: IATA
Aircraft availability a significant constraints on airline industry growth: IATA
India, China to lead air travel demand growth in Asia-Pacific: IATA
Apple Phone Case Profits Could Top Airline Flyer Revenue: Aviation Body Chief
Apple will earn more selling iPhone cover than airlines transporting passenger: IATA chief
2026 to see more flyers setting global airlines for record $41 bn profit next year: IATA
India has historically been challenging yet fantastic mkt for airlines: IATA
