Leading aircraft OEMs are issuing aspirational-and debatable-post-pandemic commercial aircraft production rate outlooks, pressuring suppliers to spend money so they can be ready to hike manufacturing. Yet labor forces and factory capacity have been slashed by one-quarter, one-third or more, and price wars may be coming as stored inventory must be cleared. New purchase orders and long-term agreements increasingly reflect the trickle-down effects of lower near-term demand and longer-term competition between Airbus and Boeing. Meanwhile, raw material prices are rising, as are prices from forging and casting providers. Above all, companies must manage new mountains of debt accumulated in response to COVID-19, as well as access additional capital needed to prepare for rate increases, business operation digital overhauls and other demands.
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