After a loss-making year in 2016 that made the situation more financially strained, Etihad now reportedly believes it does not need all 25 aircraft of the model it has ordered.

Etihad is said to be willing to pay a cancellation fee rather than later be forced to deal with excess capacity. If Etihad reduces its orders, Boeing could also have a tough time as it is in the process of switching to production of the 777X.

At the same time, the situation is not completely dark for the new aircraft. Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines are just some of the airlines that have placed orders for the 777X.

The 777X is an upgraded mini-jumbo with two engines. The aircraft is said to be more efficient compared to the larger Boeing 747 and Airbus A380, which are equipped with four engines.

Source: finwire