In a recent interview with Airlineratings, Steven Udvar-Házy, founder of Air Lease Corporation, discussed the challenges facing Boeing's 777X aircraft and modern engine technology. He noted that Air Lease Corporation has not ordered any 777Xs due to high capital costs and limited economic benefits. "Boeing went in the wrong direction trying to compete against the A380," he stated.
Udvar-Házy attributed some of the 777-9's problems to its design being heavily influenced by Emirates' requirements. "You can’t design an aircraft to suit one airline," he explained, emphasizing the need for a broader customer base for success.
The interview also touched on reliability issues with new engine types. Udvar-Házy mentioned that all new-technology engines have faced significant problems, lacking the longevity seen in older models like the CFM-56. He expects it will take several years for manufacturers to address these issues fully.