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After Boeing announced that its much-anticipated 777X passenger jet would be further delayed, Clark said he would have a “serious conversation” with Boeing’s management about the continued setbacks to the plane. Emirates has ordered over 260 of the 777X.
“I fail to see how Boeing can make any meaningful forecasts of delivery dates,” Clark said in a statement to Business Insider.
“Emirates has had to make significant and highly expensive amendments to our fleet programs as a result of Boeing’s multiple contractual shortfalls and we will be having a serious conversation with them over the next couple of months,” he added.
Boeing said earlier in October that it would cut around 10% of its 170,000 workforce and that the first delivery of the 777X would not be ready until 2026, several years after first expected.
Boeing has dealt with the financial fallout from an ongoing strike, which may end this week if workers agree to a 35% pay raise in a vote.
Boeing said in a preliminary third-quarter earnings report that the delay to the 777X plane would cost $2.6 billion.
The 777X is set to become the largest twin-engine jet in operation, with a capacity for more than 400 seats. This aligns with the Dubai government’s intention to expand Al Maktoum International airport to make it the world’s largest hub by capacity.
Emirates did not immediately respond to a request for further comment from Business Insider.