The global shortage of commercial aircraft, which first appeared in 2019, has evolved into one of the most pressing challenges for the air transport sector, IATA notes in its new report. This issue is not merely a temporary disruption, but a long-term constraint, which is reshaping the way airlines operate.
Charting the trend, IATA underlines that this shortage is limiting traffic growth and forcing airlines to rely on older, less efficient aircraft. An increase in operating costs, a stagnation in fuel efficiency improvement, and a delay in fleet renewal are, according to IATA, tangible consequences of the aircraft shortage.
Furthermore, due to the slowdown in deliveries, which began in 2018 and is likely to last at least until 2026, 5,284 fewer aircraft have been delivered compared to the pre-pandemic trend.
IATA estimates that a return to normality is not expected before 2031 and very likely not before 2034.
