Key facts
- Airline executives advised Boeing and Airbus to ensure new aircraft technology is mature before release.
- Paul Kent of BOC Aviation stated a preference against a new narrowbody jet before 2030.
- Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary believes current aircraft models will remain dominant for 10-15 years.
- British Airways CEO Sean Doyle expressed interest in future Airbus developments.
Airline executives are urging planemakers Boeing and Airbus not to rush the introduction of new aircraft generations, emphasizing the critical need for mature technology at the outset. Paul Kent, chief commercial officer at BOC Aviation, stated at the Airline Leaders Summit that he is not keen to see a new narrowbody aircraft in the 2030 timeframe. He explained that launching aircraft with immature technology necessitates the program running for a considerable number of years to achieve overall economic viability.
These sentiments were echoed by Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary, who advised against an overemphasis on new technology. O'Leary suggested that current aircraft models, such as the Boeing 737 Max and Airbus Neo, will likely remain in service for the next 10 to 15 years, barring revolutionary advancements like 'Star Trek'-style teleportation.
Despite these cautions, British Airways Chief Executive Sean Doyle indicated interest in future developments from Airbus, stating they would be keen to see whatever the company is working on.