Supply chain issues will impact air travel in 2023, IATA director general says.
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Air travel will probably be affected by “very frustrating” supply chain issues this 12 months, in response to Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association, as he discussed the challenges facing the aviation sector this 12 months.
“[It’s] so frustrating, because it will have an effect in summer 2023. And we’re already seeing that,” Walsh told CNBC’s Dan Murphy.
Shortages will probably be particularly noticeable with regards to engine parts, he added, which could then delay the delivery of recent aircraft from manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus.
A shortage of planes has been a thorn within the side of U.S. airlines for months, with some now turning to larger aircraft to accommodate more passengers as they struggle to balance strong travel demand with a scarcity of resources.
A scarcity of air traffic control staff can be prone to be an issue in 2023, Walsh said.
“The challenges we expect to see within the short term are outside of our control, they usually principally relate to shortages, in resources in air traffic control,” Walsh said. “We have already seen restrictions on capability in the USA [and] we’re seeing problems in Europe.”
A positive 2023
His comments come as airlines look set to return to profitability in 2023, having navigated a difficult post-pandemic period, with airports also scrambling to get back on their feet.
“Airlines and airports were criticized last 12 months for not getting resources in place in time for the recovery,” Walsh told CNBC. “[But] I believe the airlines have done their bit. Most airports I believe are in fine condition,” he added.
Walsh said he was “optimistic” for the industry as an entire, despite supply chain obstacles.
“Taking the general picture into consideration … we will be positive about 2023 and beyond,” he said.
