Aircraft Seat Shortage Causes Supply Chain Bottlenecks for Airlines
A shortage of aircraft seats is causing major disruptions in the aviation industry’s supply chains, hindering airlines’ plans to refurbish cabin interiors and introduce new upgraded planes.
Aircraft seats, especially those for first and business class cabins, play a crucial role in attracting passengers. However, a combination of factors such as stricter certification rules and labor shortages due to the pandemic are delaying their production.
As airlines rush to unveil new cabins in the post-pandemic recovery phase, supply chain issues have become more pronounced. Lufthansa recently faced significant delays in its €2.5bn investment for new long-haul cabins due to supply chain problems.
Several airlines, including Emirates, have launched extensive refurbishment programs, putting additional pressure on suppliers. French jet engine maker Safran reported a 25% drop in business-class seat deliveries in the first quarter, with some shipments delayed to the second quarter.
Industry experts highlight the complexity of manufacturing premium seats, emphasizing the importance of differentiation for airlines. Boeing and Airbus executives acknowledged ongoing supply chain constraints, including shortages of cabin equipment.
Recaro Aircraft Seating, a leading economy class seat maker, cited electronics shortages for in-flight entertainment systems as a key challenge affecting seat deliveries. The company has implemented additional shifts and customized solutions to cope with the increased demand.
Despite efforts to address supply chain issues, industry leaders like Emirates’ CEO Sir Tim Clark expressed frustration with ongoing challenges. As airlines continue to retrofit older aircraft and invest in new fleets, the pressure on the aviation supply chain remains a critical issue that needs to be resolved.