Boeing faces production halts due to supplier dispute

Boeing’s production of 777F cargo aircraft has been halted for nearly two months due to a dispute with Vaero, a Florida-based supplier. The shortage involves a critical rib kit used in the trailing edge of wings, a component Boeing described as ‘indispensable.’

The disruption has also impacted the 767 program, affecting both commercial cargo aircraft and the KC-46 aerial refueling tankers used by the U.S. Air Force. Production at Boeing’s Everett facility in Washington state has been stalled, with the company claiming daily losses of up to $6.5 million.

Although Boeing and Vaero reached a settlement in late September, reports indicate that 777F production had not resumed as of late October. To mitigate future risks, Boeing is attempting to move the production of the disputed component to its own facilities to reduce reliance on single-source suppliers. The 777X program remains unaffected as it utilizes different composite wing technology.