Airlines are losing billions of dollars as delayed aircraft deliveries and a shortage of working engines push the global aviation industry into its worst supply crisis in years.

The problem, which has been linked to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the dominant position of aircraft engine makers, could take a decade to improve, according to the source article. In 2025 alone, airlines are expected to lose about $11 billion because planes are arriving late and some existing jets cannot return to service.

The scale of the disruption has left carriers struggling to replace ageing aircraft, restore capacity and meet demand across major travel markets. Industry executives have warned that the backlog in deliveries is slowing expansion plans and forcing airlines to keep older aircraft in the air for longer.

The shortage of engines is also affecting operations beyond new aircraft handovers. Some airlines are waiting for repairs and replacements before they can fly planes that are already in their fleets, adding pressure on schedules and maintenance programmes.

The crisis reflects a wider bottleneck in aviation manufacturing. Demand for travel has recovered faster than suppliers have been able to deliver aircraft and components, leaving airlines exposed to long delays that are now reshaping fleet planning around the world.

Manufacturers have faced persistent problems since the pandemic, when supply chains were disrupted and production slowed. That recovery has been uneven, with airlines saying the shortages have lasted far longer than many expected.

Engine makers have come under particular scrutiny because of their central role in aircraft availability. Their market power has become a point of concern for airlines that depend on a small number of suppliers for critical parts and support.

For passengers, the immediate impact is less visible but still significant. Slower fleet growth can limit route launches, reduce spare aircraft availability and make it harder for airlines to recover quickly when disruption hits.

The financial hit is also spreading across the industry. Higher maintenance costs, older aircraft and lower operational flexibility can weaken margins at a time when many carriers are still facing high fuel prices and competitive pressure.

Airlines have long argued that the supply crunch shows how vulnerable aviation remains to shocks in manufacturing. With no quick fix in sight, the industry appears set to live with delays and shortages well into the next decade.