Originally Posted by
764toHI
Seems like Zodiac is screwing both Boeing and United with their production issues; Boeing because I'm sure they would love to slow down 777 production as much as they can to bridge the gap to the 777X.
A 777 production cut is a much larger undertaking than something that can be implemented quickly as the result of a seat delivery delay. Interior supplier delays have happened countless times in the past and not affected production rates.
Half of UA's 77W order is either in service or ready for delivery with seats, and it's not even April. The Zodiac delays have a long way to go to impact 747 retirement, and United is clearly taking a very conservative approach in rolling out the fleet on international routes, with only SFO-HKG/NRT and EWR-TLV in the schedule.
The more unfortunate thing in my mind is that the Zodiac delays will no doubt negatively impact the retrofit schedule. The new builds will obviously be prioritized.