Travel

Aerospace supply chain bottlenecks continue to limit airline growth, IATA warns

Published

2 days ago

December 9, 2025

IATA reports that aerospace supply chain bottlenecks remain a major constraint for airlines, with delivery shortfalls, ageing fleets and rising maintenance costs expected to challenge the industry well into the next decade.

GENEVA – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has issued an updated analysis on global aerospace supply chain bottlenecks, noting that aircraft availability remains one of the most significant constraints on airline growth. Despite a slight recovery in aircraft deliveries in late 2025 and projections for increased production in 2026, IATA warns that demand will continue to exceed available aircraft and engines for years to come.

According to the latest outlook, the structural imbalance between airline fleet needs and manufacturer output is unlikely to normalise before 2031–2034. The delays of the past five years, combined with record order backlogs, have created a persistent supply gap.

Delivery shortfalls and ageing fleets

IATA highlights that delivery shortfalls now exceed 5,300 aircraft, while the global order backlog has surpassed 17,000 aircraft – nearly 60% of the world’s active fleet and equivalent to 12 years of current manufacturing capacity. Historically, order backlogs represented just 30–40% of the active fleet.

The average fleet age has also increased to 15.1 years, with passenger aircraft averaging 12.8 years and cargo aircraft 19.6 years. More than 5,000 aircraft remain in storage globally, despite strong airline demand.

“Airlines are feeling the impact of the aerospace supply chain challenges across their business,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “Higher leasing costs, reduced scheduling flexibility, delayed sustainability gains and increased reliance on suboptimal aircraft types are the most obvious challenges. Airlines are missing opportunities to strengthen their top-line, improve their environmental performance and serve customers. Meanwhile travelers are seeing higher costs from the resulting tighter demand/supply conditions. No effort should be spared to accelerate solutions before the impact becomes even more acute.”

Production delays driven by multiple pressures

IATA reports that production delays are being intensified by several interconnected issues:

Airframe output exceeds engine availability, causing newly built aircraft to remain grounded until engines are delivered.
Certification timelines have doubled, from 12–24 months to as long as five years, slowing entry of new aircraft types into service — especially long-haul widebodies.
US–China trade tensions have amplified bottlenecks in metals and electronics, raising some maintenance costs.
Skilled labour shortages in engine and component manufacturing are constraining production ramp-up efforts.
A fragile supplier ecosystem, often dependent on a limited number of specialised vendors, increases vulnerability to even minor disruptions.

These challenges are also slowing progress on fuel efficiency. After decades of annual improvements averaging 2%, gains dropped to 0.3% in 2025 and are projected to reach only 1% in 2026.

Cargo operations also face future risks

The report warns that air cargo operations may soon experience capacity constraints:

Fewer passenger aircraft are being converted for cargo use, as airlines keep older jets in service longer.
New-build widebody freighters are facing production delays.
Many ageing cargo aircraft are nearing the limits of their operational life.

Economic impact: USD 11 billion in additional costs

A joint study by IATA and Oliver Wyman estimates that supply chain bottlenecks will cost airlines over USD 11 billion in 2025, driven by:

USD 4.2 billion in excess fuel costs from operating older fleets
USD 3.1 billion in additional maintenance expenses
USD 2.6 billion in higher engine leasing rates and aircraft lease costs
USD 1.4 billion in surplus spare parts inventory

Pathways to recovery

The study outlines several recommendations to accelerate supply chain improvements:

Modernise aftermarket frameworks by reducing dependency on OEM-controlled licensing and enabling alternative sourcing.
Improve supply chain visibility to detect risks early and reduce inefficiencies.
Expand use of predictive maintenance, shared data platforms and spare parts pooling to reduce downtime.
Increase repair and parts capacity, including greater adoption of Used Serviceable Material (USM) and advanced manufacturing solutions.

IATA1

Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

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Travel

The Best Airport Lounges of 2025, Ranked by Travelers

Published

18 hours ago

December 10, 2025

Juergen T Steinmetz

A new study reveals airport lounges now shape how travelers pick airlines and routes. As premium lounges like Amex Centurion, Capital One, and United Polaris raise the bar, travelers increasingly view lounge access as essential, redefining comfort and loyalty in today’s crowded airport environment. According to the eTN publisher, the best of the best is the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Istanbul.

For many travelers today, the journey doesn’t begin at the boarding gate—it starts the moment they step into an airport lounge. With craft cocktails, warm buffets, quiet corners, and spa-like showers, lounges are quickly becoming one of the most influential elements of the flying experience.

Airport Lounges Are Becoming the Real Reason Travelers Choose Certain Flights, New Study Shows

A new J.D. Power U.S. Airport Lounge Benchmark reveals just how dramatically traveler behavior is shifting. Nearly half of lounge visitors now choose their flight routes based on lounge access, and 82% say their choice of airline is influenced by the lounges it operates. For frequent flyers, the lounge has evolved into an essential part of trip planning.

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The Rise of Airport Lounge Loyalty

As terminals become busier and food prices climb, lounges are functioning as sanctuaries—places where travelers can decompress, dine well and reset between flights. Food and beverage lead all satisfaction categories, followed by ambiance, comfort, service and reliable Wi-Fi.

Premium credit cards have transformed lounge culture. Thirty-four percent of visitors now enter through card benefits, which has broadened access while unintentionally introducing crowding challenges.

The Best U.S. Airport Lounges in 2025, Ranked by Travelers

1. American Express Centurion Lounge (Score: 782)

A mainstay of premium domestic travel, Centurion Lounges continue to win travelers over with chef-curated menus, craft cocktails and boutique-hotel-style interiors.

2. Capital One Lounge (Score: 773, tied)

One of the most exciting new players, Capital One offers design-driven spaces, strong food programs and convenient grab-and-go selections for travelers on tight schedules.

3. Delta Sky Club (Score: 773, tied)

Delta’s revamped lounges at JFK, LAX and across major hubs bring brighter interiors, expanded bars and multiple seating zones that accommodate both working travelers and those seeking calm.

United Polaris Lounges — Among the Best in the U.S.

Not part of J.D. Power’s ranking (which focuses on lounges accessible to domestic travelers), United Airlines’ Polaris Lounges nonetheless stand as the highest-quality airline-operated lounges in the U.S. With restaurant-style dining, quiet suites, premium cocktails, spa-grade showers and serene interiors, Polaris sets a luxury standard typically seen only in long-haul international markets.

How U.S. Lounges Compare to the Rest of the World

American lounges are improving rapidly, but many global carriers operate at a different scale—especially at major transit hubs where passengers expect more from the ground experience.

Turkish Airlines — Istanbul (IST)

Live cooking stations, entertainment rooms, nap suites and spacious relaxation zones make this feel like a cultural destination of its own.

Emirates — Dubai (DXB)

Known for champagne bars, à la carte dining and private quiet rooms, Emirates lounges offer a seamless extension of the airline’s luxury brand.

Singapore Airlines — Changi (SIN)

SilverKris Lounges deliver refined tranquility, warm lighting and attentive, understated service.

Lufthansa — Munich (MUC)

Elegant, efficient and restorative, Lufthansa’s First Class and Senator Lounges offer restaurant-level dining, quiet rooms, natural light and seamless connections.

British Airways — London Heathrow (LHR)

From the Galleries First Lounge to the Concorde Room, BA’s Heathrow lounges blend modern British sophistication with champagne bars, dining rooms and spa-like amenities.

Top 10 Airport Lounges in the World (2025)

1. Emirates First Class Lounge — Dubai (DXB)

A massive, hotel-like space with gourmet dining, quiet suites and premium champagne.

2. Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge — Doha (DOH)

Architectural grandeur meets serene design, complete with full-service dining.

3. Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounges — Changi (SIN)

A masterclass in tranquility and guest experience, beloved for service and ambiance.

4. Turkish Airlines Business Lounge — Istanbul (IST)

Vibrant, sprawling, and culinary-driven, with amenities that appeal to long-haul travelers.
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5. Lufthansa First Class Lounge — Munich (MUC)

Understated luxury with nap rooms, high-end dining and efficient service.

6. United Polaris Lounges — U.S. Hubs (ORD, EWR, IAH, LAX, SFO)

The U.S.’s strongest premium-lounge experience, featuring à la carte dining and quiet suites.

7. British Airways Concorde Room — London Heathrow (LHR)

A refined, exclusive haven for First Class flyers with private cabanas and champagne service.

8. American Express Centurion Lounge — Various U.S. Airports

The most consistently high-quality domestic lounge network, with stellar cocktails and cuisine.

9. Plaza Premium Lounge — Rome Fiumicino (FCO)

One of the world’s best independent lounges, admired for its Italian menu and stylish design.

10. Cathay Pacific The Pier Business Lounge — Hong Kong (HKG)

Warm, calm, and beautifully crafted, featuring a tea house and excellent dining.

Can the U.S. Catch Up?

In certain airports, it already has. Renovated terminals at LaGuardia, LAX and Newark offer lounges that can hold their own against many European competitors. The rise of Polaris Lounges and the expansion of premium credit-card lounges have significantly raised standards.

Still, structural challenges—aging terminals, limited space and a domestic-focused network—make it difficult for the U.S. to build sprawling, resort-like lounges on the scale of Dubai, Doha or Singapore.

The likely future is hybrid: a few world-class lounges at major hubs, surrounded by steadily improving clubs across the country.

What Travelers Can Expect Next

1. Lounge Design Inspired by Boutique Hotels

More natural materials, softer lighting, curated art, and dedicated quiet zones.

2. Access Controls to Reduce Crowding

Expect digital waitlists, reservations and tiered entry rules.

3. Airport Terminals That Borrow Lounge Principles

More comfortable seating, power availability, and acoustics designed for calm.

The New Centerpiece of the Journey

The J.D. Power study confirms what travelers already feel: lounges have become the new emotional core of the airport experience. They influence how people book, where they connect, which cards they carry and which airlines earn their loyalty.

In a world where travel can feel rushed and unpredictable, lounges offer something increasingly rare—space to breathe. And as airports and airlines continue to elevate the experience, the most memorable part of a trip may begin long before takeoff.

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Travel

Airpaz: Your Travel Companion

Published

23 hours ago

December 10, 2025

Juergen T Steinmetz

What can ruin a trip? Most often, there are only two reasons: poor organization or a long booking process. Fortunately, these issues are now a thing of the past. Airpaz allows you to do everything quickly, efficiently, and in one place. We’ll tell you more about this platform below.

How Airpaz Started: A Quick Look

The company’s history began in 2011, when it launched as a small website for booking flights within Asia. Over time, the company grew and scaled, and by 2019, the service added hotel bookings. However, at that time, it wasn’t the Airpaz we know today.

The situation truly changed in mid-2022. At that time, John Wang became Chief Architect. He brought new momentum that took the company to the next level. The company continued to grow and find new partners. For users, this means more options and a wider range of choices. Now it’s not just a booking platform, but also a reliable companion for traveling around the world.

The company’s mission is not only to connect people but also to provide them with flexibility, convenience, and confidence in every journey. The service makes the world more accessible, so everyone can gain invaluable experiences and see the world.

What Airpaz Offers Today

When you hit up the Airpaz site (or the app), you’ll see it’s all organized. You can look for flights, hotels, deals, and insurance all on one page. Here are some reasons why Airpaz is easy and saves you money:

Booking flights: Lots of airlines and routes to choose from, deals on combos, different seat classes, and easy flight options.
Booking hotels: Find places to stay across the globe, from cheap to fancy.
Extras: Add bags, pick your seat, order food, get rides, and other things to make your trip better.
Trip Protection: Really useful if your plans might change or you want to be ready for anything.
Easy to use: The site supports multiple currencies and languages, has people available to help 24/7, and is simple to use.
Reasonable prices: Because they work with so many partners, Airpaz often has reasonable prices on tickets and rooms.

This way, you can quickly find all the information you need without spending a lot of time on it. Convenience and speed are what users value most.

Why People Choose Airpaz

If you’re still unsure whether Airpaz is the perfect service, we’ll briefly list its advantages, as confirmed by numerous reviews.

Convenience. Instead of several different apps, one platform is now enough to organize a great trip.
Savings. Since all offers are in one place, it’s easy to compare them and choose the best deal. Also on the website you will find various daily promotions with competitive prices for all passengers.
Simplicity. The interface is straightforward and easy to learn. Anyone can figure it out in just minutes. Support for 57 currencies and 37 languages ensures that you can find the right offer and make a booking as easily as possible.
Mobility. You can book tickets and hotels on the go. No need to put it off until you’re at your computer. Convenient app or website — use the option that you like best.

For today’s travelers, this platform is a real find. It is especially valuable if you have to travel frequently or need to organize a trip at the highest level.

What Airpaz Says About Itself

Airpaz’s About Us page says they really want to be your go-to travel buddy, not just another agency. They say they started back in 2011 as just a place to book stuff, but now they’re all about helping you see the world. They’re trying to make things easy, comfy, and stress-free for you when you book flights, hotels, or extras; they even have travel insurance.

Airpaz offers many flight options, teams up with many airlines, and lists over a million lodging options. An additional convenience is the availability of various payment methods and support for multiple languages. This makes the service accessible virtually anywhere in the world. Using such a user-friendly service is a pleasure.

How Airpaz Combines Reliability and Simplicity

Lots of online travel sites say they’re easy to use and have cheap tickets, but you often get hit with hidden costs, bad customer service, or surprise booking changes. Airpaz is trying to be different, saying they’re straightforward, easy to use, and dependable.

For example:

You see the price right away in your money and pick how you want to pay, so you don’t pay extra for stuff you don’t need.
When you book, it’s more than just tickets or a room. You can add bags, pick where you sit, order food, and get travel insurance beforehand. This is super useful if you have a tricky trip with layovers and not just a simple vacation.
Plus, they’ve got folks ready to help you out all day and night on live chat, and in your language, so you’re covered if anything goes wrong.

Airpaz does it all, from picking flights to booking hotels, adding extras, and getting insurance, to try to make sure your trip is smooth.

Who Should Choose Airpaz?

Airpaz is a good choice if you:

are planning your first trip and want to book everything in one place;
are looking for great prices on flights and accommodations;
want flexibility — for example, integrating your flight, hotel, luggage, and travel insurance all at once;
value convenience: an interface in your language, local currencies and payment methods, fast confirmation, and easy booking management;
enjoy spontaneous trips or trips with layovers — additional insurance and services can come in handy.

Conclusion

Airpaz is a site where you can grab plane tickets. They aim to keep travel simple and straightforward. Since selling their first ticket back in 2014, many folks view Airpaz as a solid travel pal.

Need an easy and cheap way to plan your trip? Airpaz has flights, hotels, baggage options, and insurance. Check them out at https://www.airpaz.com. Airpaz could be what you need for your next trip, so you can create good memories.

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Travel

Bartlett Appointed Chair of New CTO Supply-Side Committee as Jamaica Leads Post-Melissa Recovery

Published

3 days ago

December 8, 2025

Juergen T Steinmetz

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has been appointed Chair of a new high-level Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) committee that will craft a regional strategy to manage the supply side of tourism and retain a larger share of tourism earnings within Caribbean economies.

The committee will focus on deepening linkages between tourism and sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and the creative industries, so that more value is created and kept in Caribbean communities. It will include representatives from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“This committee is about moving from leakage to linkage,” Minister Bartlett said. “Our goal is to ensure that more of every tourism dollar stays in the Caribbean, builds our businesses, creates quality jobs for our people and strengthens the resilience of our economies. By working together as a region, we can secure a bigger share of the value that tourism generates in our own space,” he added.