Boeing-Airbus Engine Shortage Sparks Rush to Supply
Airbus and Boeing are ramping up production to meet their annual targets, but they need more engines. To supply them, GE Aerospace and RTX's Pratt & Whitney are racing to deliver. GE has seen a 31% increase in total engine deliveries in the first half of 2026, with LEAP engine deliveries up 41%. This includes a recent deal for up to 120 LEAP-1B engines with Copa Airlines.
Pratt & Whitney is also seeing strong demand for its GTF engines, which power Airbus A320neo-family aircraft. BOC Aviation recently ordered up to 220 GTF engines for as many as 110 of these planes. However, the company's second-quarter results showed a decline in commercial original-equipment sales, while commercial aftermarket sales jumped 25%.
This trend suggests that aerospace suppliers can benefit from both sides of the cycle: new engines when aircraft production rises and maintenance when older aircraft stay in service longer.