Boeing has yet to resume production of its 777F freighter nearly two months after a dispute with Florida-based supplier Vaero halted deliveries of a critical wing component. The disruption has delayed new-aircraft deliveries, affected 767 and KC-46 production at Everett, Washington, and left the timing of a restart uncertain despite a settlement reached in late September.
Boeing identified Vaero in an August court complaint as the sole source of trailing-edge rib kits used in wing assembly. The manufacturer alleged that the supplier withheld deliveries while seeking higher prices, stopping work at Everett and disrupting programmes that also include 767 freighters and KC-46 aerial refuelling tankers.
Three Boeing employees reported that 777F production had still not restarted by 23 October. The shortage also led Boeing to remove two partially assembled 777 freighters from final assembly; one has been identified through IBA data as intended for FedEx. Boeing is reportedly working to bring rib-kit production in-house.
Boeing’s court filing estimated that the disruption could cost as much as US$6.5 million per day. The manufacturer had delivered 21 777Fs in 2026, and a small number of aircraft with wings completed before the dispute could still be delivered before the end of the year. Boeing has not disclosed the number of affected aircraft or revised customer delivery dates.