Airlines struggle to manage aircraft fleet shortages while scaling operations and maintaining profitability

Major airlines like Ethiopian Airlines are hitting record revenues but face critical constraints from aircraft shortages that threaten their ability to capitalize on growth opportunities. Airlines cannot expand routes or increase capacity despite strong demand, forcing them to choose between disappointing customers with limited flights or investing heavily in new aircraft with uncertain ROI. Current supply chain solutions fail to address the multi-year aircraft delivery delays and the financial burden of massive capital expenditures ($60M+ airport investments) that don't guarantee passenger demand.