Willie Walsh used his farewell address as IATA director general to launch a sharp attack on aircraft and engine OEMs at the association’s annual general meeting in Rio de Janeiro on 7 June 2026, accusing them of failing airlines on deliveries and reliability. He also warned governments against adding aviation taxes while carriers are already under heavy cost pressure.
According to reports from the meeting, Walsh told engine makers to stop gouging airlines and return to producing engines that work and last. His remarks reflected long-running frustration across the sector over delivery backlogs, engine durability and aftermarket pricing, all of which are complicating fleet plans and raising operating costs.
The intervention came against a backdrop of tighter industry economics, with IATA separately warning that airline profits could halve in 2026 amid higher fuel costs and geopolitical disruption. Walsh pointed to those pressures as he pressed governments not to increase the burden on airlines already dealing with supply-chain strain and delayed aircraft handovers.