The global aviation industry is set to continue grappling with supply chain challenges that will affect airline operations through 2025, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). In a statement released on Tuesday, IATA warned that these ongoing issues will likely raise costs and hinder growth for airlines, posing a significant challenge to the industry’s recovery post-pandemic.
IATA, which represents approximately 340 airlines accounting for over 80% of global air traffic, highlighted that supply chain disruptions, particularly in the areas of aircraft manufacturing, spare parts, and maintenance, are expected to persist well into 2025. These disruptions have already led to delays in fleet expansion and maintenance schedules, which in turn affect airlines’ ability to meet growing demand.
One of the notable consequences of the ongoing supply chain issues is the increasing average age of the global airline fleet. IATA reported that the average age of aircraft worldwide has reached a record 14.8 years, up from 13.6 years during the 1990-2024 period. This aging fleet presents operational challenges, as older aircraft typically require more maintenance and incur higher operational costs. It also limits the capacity for airlines to take on new routes or increase flight frequencies, as newer, more efficient planes are delayed in their delivery due to supply chain bottlenecks.
The supply chain issues also extend beyond aircraft to other critical components, including spare parts and ground support equipment. With a strained global supply chain, airlines are facing longer lead times for essential items, further exacerbating delays and increasing costs. The knock-on effect is being felt across the entire aviation ecosystem, including airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and airport operators, all of whom are struggling to meet the demand for services.
Despite these challenges, IATA remains optimistic about the long-term growth prospects for the aviation industry. However, the immediate future looks challenging as airlines work to navigate these supply chain issues while simultaneously managing rising costs and limited growth potential.
The impact of these disruptions is likely to be felt by passengers as well, with possible delays in new route launches, flight cancellations, and increased ticket prices due to the higher operational costs faced by airlines.
As supply chain constraints persist, the aviation industry will need to adapt and innovate to mitigate these effects and ensure continued progress. In the meantime, industry stakeholders will be looking for signs of improvement in the global supply chain, hoping for smoother operations and a return to a more sustainable growth trajectory by 2026.
