Boeing on Track to Meet Delivery Demand by 2030, Says Avia Solutions Group Chairman

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

Boeing is expected to recover from its production challenges and meet commercial aircraft delivery demand by 2030, according to Gediminas Ziemelis, chairman and founder of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI and wet-lease provider.

Ziemelis made the statement following a visit to Boeing’s facilities in Seattle, where he attended a ceremonial signing with Stephanie Pope, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The event marked Avia Solutions Group’s order for up to 80 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, placed in November 2024. The order consists of 40 firm aircraft and 40 options, reinforcing the company’s fleet expansion strategy and confidence in Boeing’s future production capabilities.

Both Boeing and Airbus have faced significant supply chain disruptions since the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting their ability to meet demand and surpass their 2018 delivery records. In 2024, Boeing delivered 348 aircraft, leaving it with a backlog of more than 5,500 unfilled orders. Airbus fared better, delivering 776 aircraft, though it fell just short of its official target. Despite these setbacks, Ziemelis remains optimistic about Boeing’s recovery and ability to meet global airline demand over the next five years.

“I’ve seen first-hand as a customer that Boeing is turning the corner on its production issues,” Ziemelis stated. “I anticipate a gradual return to 2018 production levels from both Airbus and Boeing as we progress through the rest of the decade. This year, and perhaps 2026, will be the last years when the industry will experience any real impact from missed deliveries. By 2030, I expect both manufacturers to have resumed normal operations.”

Ziemelis also acknowledged the criticism directed at Boeing and Airbus in recent years, suggesting that some of it may be driven by opportunism. “The more vocal critics of Airbus and Boeing are likely being opportunistic, seeking to leverage current challenges for better deals. When we placed our inaugural direct order with Boeing last year, we did so based on our confidence in the aircraft and the company. This conviction remains unwavering.”

The new Boeing order further strengthens Avia Solutions Group’s presence in the U.S. market. In 2021, the company secured a €300 million investment from U.S.-based firms Certares Management and Knighthead Capital Management, both of which specialize in travel, tourism, and investment advisory services. This investment has contributed to Avia Solutions Group’s continued expansion and solidified its status as a major player in global aviation services.

Beyond its commercial relationships, Ziemelis has also been active in international business and political circles. His recent participation in the inauguration ceremony of the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump, in Washington underscores the Group’s increasing influence and commitment to strengthening ties with key stakeholders in the aviation and business sectors.

Headquartered in Dublin, Avia Solutions Group is a leading provider of aviation services to top passenger and cargo airlines worldwide. The Group operates across six continents, with offices in Ireland, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Lithuania, Australia, Asia Pacific, and South Africa.

As the world’s largest ACMI provider, Avia Solutions Group operates a fleet of 221 aircraft and serves as the parent company to over 250 subsidiaries, including SmartLynx Airlines, Avion Express, BBN Indonesia Airlines, and KlasJet. In addition to ACMI services, the company provides MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), pilot and crew training, ground handling, and a variety of aviation solutions. Supported by a workforce of 14,000 professionals, the Group continues to expand its global presence and influence.

With a firm belief in Boeing’s ability to rebound and a strategic vision for the future of aviation, Avia Solutions Group remains well-positioned to capitalize on the evolving demands of the global airline industry.