Boeing 777 and 767 Freighter Production Reportedly Paused After Supplier Dispute

Boeing reportedly paused production of its 777 and 767 freighters after a dispute with a supplier of fixed trailing-edge rib kits. The dispute was reported resolved at the end of September 2026, but production had not resumed at the time of the report.

Key details

• The reported interruption affected work on two 777 aircraft, including one intended for FedEx.
• Reuters contacts estimated the pause cost Boeing about $6.5 million per day.
• Boeing reportedly planned to make the rib kits in-house to reduce reliance on a single outside supplier.
• Boeing's cited orders and deliveries report listed 38 outstanding 777 freighter orders and nine unfilled 767-300F orders.
• The report said the FAA granted Boeing an emissions exemption allowing sales of up to 35 additional 777Fs eligible for a Certificate of Airworthiness.

Reuters contacts estimated the interruption was costing Boeing about $6.5 million per day.

Why it matters

A pause in production can affect delivery planning for freight operators that have ordered new widebody freighters. The reported orders include aircraft for FedEx and UPS, while Boeing's planned in-house component production would change how it sources the rib kits.

What happens next

Boeing's reported plan to bring rib-kit production in-house points to a next step for its freighter program. Which developments in cargo-aircraft manufacturing will you be watching?