Story perspectives

Boeing, Airbus Charter Antonov An-124s Amid Thin Part Inventories

7/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Boeing chartered an Antonov An-124 Ruslan to airlift two upper 767 fuselage sections from Florida to Everett in late June.
Airbus used an Antonov An-124 Ruslan to airlift A350 parts, abandoning sea freight from Kinston after its buffer fell to zero.
Boeing’s June 22 DOT letter sought a cabotage waiver, warning of significant economic cost.
Analysts view the repeated heavy-lift charters as evidence of thin safety-stock inventories despite a broader recovery.

1 of 1

Story summary

Boeing chartered an Antonov An-124 Ruslan to airlift two upper 767 fuselage sections from Florida to Everett in late June.
Airbus used an Antonov An-124 Ruslan to airlift A350 parts, abandoning sea freight from Kinston after its buffer fell to zero.
Boeing’s June 22 DOT letter sought a cabotage waiver, warning of significant economic cost.
Analysts view the repeated heavy-lift charters as evidence of thin safety-stock inventories despite a broader recovery.