The US aircraft manufacturer has seen 27,000 workers walk out in a dispute over pay, delaying production of four 777 aircraft bound for Emirates Airline in Dubai, and another planer to be delivered to Qatar Airways.

There are mounting concerns that prolonged industrial action could further hit production of the 787 Dreamliner, already 20 months behind schedule.

The fuel-efficient 787 is the most popular aircraft model in history, with about 950 ordered worldwide.

Boeing has numerous customers across the Gulf, with about 150 orders placed by Etihad, Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Iraqi Airways, Gulf Air, Royal Jordanian and Royal Air Maroc, as well as the aircraft lessors Aviation Lease and Finance Company (Alafco) in Kuwait, and the Dubai-based DAE Capital, and Lcal.