United Airlines has requested Boeing to prioritize the production of the 737 MAX 9 aircraft over the yet-to-be-certified MAX 10 variant. This adjustment comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding the certification timeline of the MAX 10, compounded by ongoing investigations into a recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines aircraft.
The decision by United Airlines to switch its immediate focus to the 737 MAX 9 was disclosed by CEO Scott Kirby during a JPMorgan investor conference on March 12, 2024. Kirby’s announcement sheds light on the airline’s efforts to maintain its fleet expansion and renewal plans despite regulatory and technical hurdles facing the newer MAX 10 model. United’s current backlog includes an order for 277 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, in addition to 200 options, highlighting the significant impact of the certification delays on its future fleet composition.
Amid these delays, Kirby also hinted at the possibility of incorporating the Airbus A321 into its fleet as an interim solution to fulfill its capacity needs. This consideration underscores the airline’s pragmatic approach to fleet management, ensuring it remains flexible and responsive to the evolving market dynamics and regulatory environment.
A Pivot in Strategy and a Look Ahead
The certification woes of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 are rooted in a recent incident with an Alaska Airlines 737-9, where a door plug separated from the fuselage after takeoff. The event has sparked comprehensive investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the US Department of Justice (DoJ), further complicating Boeing’s production schedules. These developments have led to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposing restrictions on Boeing’s production ramp-up efforts for some aircraft models.
Despite these challenges, Kirby expressed a long-term view of Boeing’s ability to address its current issues, emphasizing the importance of thoroughness over speed in resolving systemic problems. He articulated a vision that extends beyond immediate production timelines, suggesting that the focus should be on Boeing’s overall stability and reliability for the decades to come.
As United Airlines adapts its fleet strategy in response to the MAX 10’s certification delays, the airline’s leadership demonstrates a commitment to operational flexibility and strategic foresight. While Kirby’s comments reflect a critique of Boeing’s recent performance, they also convey a constructive perspective on the potential for improvement and the enduring partnership between the airline and the aircraft manufacturer.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
