Emirates threatened Boeing that if the 777X’s entry into service continues to be delayed it could cancel its order. On the other hand, it backed Qatar Airways’ stance on the A350 problems and slammed Airbus.
Tim Clark had two messages for the world’s largest manufacturers. On the one hand, according to Reuters, the iconic Emirates CEO slammed Boeing: «Honestly, if it goes beyond 2023, we will probably cancel the program,» he said of the entry into service of the 777X, of which the airline he leads is the largest customer.
Meanwhile, referring to the A350 paint issues – which have led to a legal battle between rival Qatar Airways and European giant Airbus – Clark said: «We made it absolutely clear in Toulouse that if we have the same problem on one of our aircraft, we will not accept them. Emirates has 50 Airbus A350s on order, which it plans to start taking delivery from next year.
How much longer must we wait for the 777X?
«What else can we do? We can’t go on as we are. Boeing has to get its act together,» Clark said bluntly, referring to delays to the 777X’s entry into service. «Let’s not forget that the aircraft was originally planned to enter service in April 2020. Now hopefully it’s expected in 2024. I don’t know how much longer we can keep this order open without the model losing utility for us,» he said.
Emirates is the largest customer for the 777X. The model, an upgrade based on the 777, is facing certification delays as a result of the FAA’s increased scrutiny of Boeing’s operations since the 737 MAX debacle and 787 problems.
According to the manufacturer, the aircraft is scheduled for certification in mid-2023. Clark is wary of this, and has in the past expressed frustration at the delays: «Boeing only gave a vague answer when I asked if the certification date still stood,» he said.
Emirates originally ordered 150 units of the model in 2013, making it – by far – its largest customer. It later reduced the order to 115 aircraft, converting some of these to 787s, something it could repeat, further reducing the number ordered.
Threat to Airbus and alliance with Qatar
Taking a stand in the bitter dispute between Airbus and Qatar – the main competitor of the company he heads – Clark issued a warning to the European manufacturer: «We made it absolutely clear in Toulouse that if we have the same problem on one of our aircraft, we will not accept them.
«Our engineers examined the Qatar aircraft and determined that they are not in good condition,» Sir Tim said of the neighboring airline’s aircraft. «We say firmly to Toulouse: when it’s our turn to take them over, if they haven’t fixed this problem, they can keep them.
