Searching for sustainable solutions in long haul

How disruptive are the Boeing issues to your strategy?

We have a huge $50 billion-plus order for Boeing 777s and 787s. We have big plans for the future and have to be tough on those partners with whom we have agreements in place.

The delays we are seeing—I don’t expect us to get our first new B777 before 2026—mean we must retain and refurbish our existing 777s. I have been worried by the Boeing governance model for many years. They have undergone personnel changes but there needs to be a strong engineering background in its leadership and operational model. It’s how they do things on the shop floor that needs to be addressed. They should listen to the workers.

We had the same thing at Airbus with the A380. There were two IT systems that didn’t speak to each other, and it was the engineers on the floor that sorted that out.

The fact is we only have two widebody manufacturers and supply chain issues have been going on for too long. They do need to sort it out because they have demand coming out of their ears and airlines are desperate for an efficient supply chain in new aircraft and associated services.

Can Middle East aviation continue to grow?

All the big Middle East carriers have been expansive in their approach and yet still experience extraordinary growth. Etihad tried to normalize its operations but had to reverse that decision as demand was so strong.

Now, Saudi Arabia is spending billions on its economy, and you know that will lead to strong aviation demand. There is Riyadh Air and Saudia, but they will do well just to serve a portion of that demand. We will all benefit from what Saudi Arabia is doing.

You also have to remember that the region has one of the most robust GDPs on the planet because it is at the epicenter of so many global initiatives. Yes, there are geopolitical concerns but overall, there will be strong growth and plenty of demand for everybody.

Are you confident that the industry can reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050?

When the…