Reports Surface of Boeing 777F Production Halt Amid Supplier Dispute

EVERETT, Washington — Boeing's 777 Freighter production had been halted for nearly two months by a dispute with Florida supplier Vaero, according to an October 23 Reuters report. The interruption also disrupted 767 output, including freighters and KC-46 aerial refueling tankers.

Three unnamed Boeing workers told Reuters that 777F production had not resumed despite a late-September settlement. One worker said Boeing had received some 767 parts since the settlement. The report said the 777X was unaffected by this shortage.

A bottleneck in wing assembly

Boeing alleged in an August complaint that Vaero, its sole supplier of trailing-edge rib kits, had stopped delivering them. Boeing put the disruption's daily cost at up to US$6.5m in its complaint, Reuters reported.

The kits provide wing attachment points and distribute loads, Law.com's August reporting explained. The August 31 New York Law Journal account reported Boeing's allegation that it could not complete a 777 wing's fixed trailing edge or join the wing to the fuselage without the components. Boeing sought an injunction compelling delivery, as well as damages.

A Vaero-issued announcement carried by Airframer identifies the former Kaman Aerospace Jacksonville operation as Falcon Jacksonville, LLC, doing business as VAERO. It lists the Boeing 767 and 777 among the programs the facility supports.

The 777F has been part of cargo operators' fleet expansion plans. Emirates (EK) ordered five additional aircraft in October 2024.

Production and deliveries

One worker told Reuters that two unfinished 777Fs had been removed from final assembly. Using IBA consultancy data, Reuters identified one as intended for FedEx Express (FX). Two workers said Boeing was trying to manufacture the kits internally.

Reuters also reported that aircraft with wings assembled before the dispute could still be delivered. Boeing declined to comment to the news agency; Vaero and FedEx did not respond to its requests.

Reuters' report does not specify revised customer delivery dates or quantify any effect on operating cargo capacity.