Turkish low-cost carrier AJet is facing significant challenges due to delays in the delivery of Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft. The airline, previously known as AnadoluJet, had plans to expand its fleet by receiving up to 36 MAX aircraft by 2025, but it is now forced to explore alternatives, primarily focusing on leasing from Airbus.
AJet's CEO, Kerem Sarp, expressed confidence about the airline's growth strategy amid these setbacks. Speaking to the media, he stated, "We're in talks with lessors to provide 36 jets next year, with Airbus aircraft mainly in focus. We are looking to leasing and purchasing options.” Even with these negotiations underway, Sarp noted, "We were expecting to be delivered 36 Boeing jets next year. But we are facing delays for the deliveries, due to problems at Boeing." The airline aims to grow by 13% to serve 23 million passengers by 2025, indicating their commitment to rapid expansion.
These delays are part of Boeing's broader struggles throughout 2024, marked by production challenges and strikes. The aerospace giant managed to deliver just 14 aircraft in October, bringing its total deliveries for the first ten months of the year to 305, down significantly from 405 during the same period last year. The issues intensified after approximately 33,000 workers walked off their jobs on September 13, joining the costliest strike the U.S. has seen this century. The strike caused Boeing billions of dollars, halting production of the commercially successful 737 MAX as well as the 777 jet.
While the 787 Dreamliner production continued during this period, the company faced severe scrutiny over its manufacturing processes following previous incidents involving its 737 MAX fleet. These concerns were amplified after a fuselage panel blew out mid-flight on one of Alaska Airlines' jets, forcing regulators to limit production until Boeing could assure safety and quality improvements.
After more than seven weeks of halted operations, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) announced the approval of a new contract proposal on November 4. Boeing reported it would take several weeks to fully restart production, emphasizing the multi-stage process involved. According to their statements, resumption efforts would focus on safe operations across their assembly plants located mainly on the west coast and east coast of the United States, with plans to achieve their targeted production rate of 38 airframes per month by May 2025.
AJet's business model relies on having the latest aircraft to increase operational efficiency and passenger comfort. Despite the setbacks with Boeing, it maintains strong ties with its parent company, Turkish Airlines, which continues working to finalize orders for 150 737 MAX jets, alongside more than 190 Airbus A321neo jets for AJet's operations. Compounding the situation, Turkish competitor Pegasus Airlines recently placed orders for 200 Boeing 737 MAX jets, reflecting its strong recovery from earlier reliance on Airbus.
The dynamic between these airlines and Boeing highlights the shifting loyalties within the aviation sector, especially as companies navigate delivery delays and production hurdles. Boeing has committed to improving its manufacturing processes, yet it must contend with public scrutiny and regain the trust of its airline customers.
With AJet potentially favoring Airbus to fill its fleet gaps, and Boeing still stirring back to its regular production levels, the situation highlights the volatile nature of the global aviation industry. The next few months will be pivotal as both companies work hard to adapt to these new realities and re-establish solid footing moving forward.
