Cathay Pacific’s CEO has unleashed a storm of criticism against Boeing, exposing a catastrophic delay in the delivery of the Boeing 777X that could jeopardize the aircraft’s future and the airline’s strategy. In a shocking interview, Alex McGowan, the airline’s Chief Operations Officer, confirmed that frustrations have reached a boiling point, as Cathay Pacific has yet to receive any of the 21 ordered 777X aircraft, originally expected to enter service in 2021. This staggering setback not only hampers Cathay’s fleet renewal plans but also threatens to undermine its competitive edge in an increasingly demanding aviation market.

Boeing’s 777X program has been plagued by a series of issues, including engine faults and design flaws, leading to multiple delays and a new projected entry date of 2026—years behind schedule. The ramifications of these delays are severe, forcing Cathay to invest billions retrofitting its aging Boeing 77300 ER fleet to remain competitive. The airline’s management is now openly reconsidering its long-standing loyalty to Boeing, turning to Airbus for new narrowbody and widebody aircraft to meet rising passenger demand.

As Cathay Pacific shifts its focus, industry experts warn that Boeing must act decisively to regain trust. Failure to deliver the 777X as promised could result in a seismic shift in the market, effectively pushing Cathay into the arms of its competitors. With the commercial aviation landscape evolving rapidly, Boeing’s credibility hangs by a thread. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting—will Boeing rise to the occasion, or has Cathay Pacific’s patience finally run out?