Airlines

Boeing’s 737 MAX manufacturing issue is likely to impact Air India and Akasa Air.

Boeing will 'very shortly' increase 737 MAX manufacturing to 38 per month.

Boeing, a major manufacturer of aircraft, has discovered a number of issues with the 737 Max production process that may delay or prevent deliveries of the new aircraft that Indian airlines like Air India and Akasa Air need to expand their fleets. The change was made as a result of Boeing learning that a supplier had installed the rear fuselage using a “non-standard manufacturing process.”

The issues are expected to delay Air India’s fleet expansion, Akasa Air, which just placed a large order with Boeing, reported by citing sources. Following the report, Boeing stated that to “expect lower near-term 737 MAX deliveries due to manufacturing issues.” Regarding our clients’ delivery schedules, we are in touch with them.

Akasa Air had purchased 72 of these planes, 19 of which are already in operation and the remaining 53 are scheduled to arrive in March 2027. The country’s newest airline had planned to fly abroad by the end of this year, but that may potentially change due to aircraft delivery delays.

With its undelivered plane, Boeing stated to have found a manufacturing issue that has to be fixed. “A supplier has informed us that two fittings were installed using an unconventional manufacturing procedure in the aft fuselage section of certain 737-7, 737-8, 737-8-200, and P-8model airplanes, potentially resulting in a non-conformance to required specifications,” according to a statement from Boeing.

According to Boeing, the aircraft already in operation won’t be affected because there isn’t an imminent threat to flight safety. However, the replacement of those that are currently in storage or in the production stage will take a long time.

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Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.