ATLANTA- Delta Air Lines (DL) CEO Ed Bastian has conveyed his expectation of a potential extension in the delivery timeline for Boeing Company’s 737 MAX 10 aircraft, foreseeing a possible delay until 2027.
Bastian revealed that the delivery of the First 737 Max 10 aircraft, comprising 100 orders placed by Delta, might face a postponement until 2027.
Delta Expects 737 MAX 10 Delays
Initially slated for reception in 2025, with a potential late 2025 delay, the airline now contemplates an additional setback of one or two years, according to reports from Bloomberg.
“We were already anticipating if it came in ‘25, it’d be late in the year,” commented CEO Bastian on the MAX 10 in an interview conducted in Austin on Sunday. “My guess is it will be another year or two beyond that.”
Delta initially intended to incorporate the largest MAX model into its domestic network. Nevertheless, the airline has found contentment with the Airbus A321neo single-aisle planes it has recently acquired.
This postponement aligns with the backdrop of Boeing undergoing continuous safety and criminal reviews, prompted by a series of incidents, notably a fuselage blowout on an Alaska Airlines (AS) flight in January.
United Cancelling MAX 10 Order?
Due to prolonged delays, United Airlines (UA) had previously excluded the Max 10 from its fleet plan. It is currently engaged in discussions to either switch to a different Max variant or secure production slots from Airbus.
Bastian clarified that, as Delta has not yet taken delivery of the MAX, it does not hold a crucial position in its fleet.
Boeing’s 737 MAX series has faced rigorous scrutiny following a series of safety incidents. In January, Boeing withdrew a significant safety exemption request for its 737 MAX 7 and 10 planes, adding complexity to the certification timeline. This move was prompted by growing safety concerns after a mid-air incident involving a 737 MAX 9 jet operated by Alaska Airlines.
These safety apprehensions have resulted in a decline in passenger trust, leading some individuals to avoid flying on the aircraft actively.
Furthermore, Boeing recently acknowledged the absence of critical records following a crisis involving a 737 MAX 9, raising additional concerns about the company’s adherence to safety and quality control standards.
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