What Happened
United Airlines CEO Claims Duopoly Blocks New Aircraft Development
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has accused Boeing and Airbus of tacitly agreeing not to develop new aircraft, citing a lack of investment in new airframes. The accusation highlights a structural tension in commercial aviation, where the duopoly may be limiting innovation. Boeing’s New Midsize Airplane programme was put on hold in 2020, and Airbus aims to launch a next-generation single-aisle programme around 2030. The absence of new programmes has tangible consequences for the industry, including limited options for airlines seeking to replace ageing mid-market fleets. This article was first reported by The Aviation Hub.