With certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 approaching, first deliveries are expected in late 2024 or early 2025. Boeing already has a substantial backlog for the MAX 10 from U.S. and global airlines. The model's introduction is now years behind schedule, in part due to persistent safety issues facing the MAX.
The MAX 10 will be the largest in the MAX family, with 188 to 204 seats (in second class) or a maximum of 230 seats. On the other hand, it will have the shortest range of any 737 MAX variant, with a range of 3.100 nautical miles.
In March 2024, Boeing revealed that the American Airlines had expanded its 737 MAX order to more than 150 planes. This includes 115 MAX 10 jets, with 85 new orders and the conversion of 30 existing MAX 8 orders. Additionally, Boeing announced that American Airlines has the option to purchase an additional 75 MAX 10 jets later.
Among the main buyers of the B737 MAX 10 are American Airlines, with 115 requests, Ryanair, with 150 requests, and Delta Airlines, with 100 requests.
“Over the past decade, we have invested heavily to modernize and simplify our fleet, which is the largest and youngest among U.S. network operators. These orders will continue to supply our fleet with newer, more efficient aircraft so that we can continue to provide best-in-class network and record operational reliability to our customers.” Stated the CEO of American Airlines, Robert Isom.
This suggests that the American Airlines plans to buy between 115 and 190 Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets to complement its fleet of MAX 8s. Along with other MAX variants, the company expanded its order book from around 70 to more than 150 planes. Additionally, American Airlines is purchasing 25 units of the 787 Dreamliner.
Since 2022, the MAX order book has faced challenges. In March 2024, the Forbes reported that the United Airlines was looking to acquire Airbus jets to replace its Boeing 737 MAX 10 orders as deliveries were five years behind schedule. A United Airlines It had 277 orders for the MAX 10, with options for 200 more.
In March 2024, it was also reported that the United Airlines had removed the Boeing 737 MAX 10 from its fleet plan from this year until after 2025. It was also reported that the United Airlines is purchasing more than 50 Airbus A320neos.
A Ryanair, an ultra-low-cost airline based in Ireland, has not only placed the largest order for the MAX 10, but, as reported by Reuters in January 2024, it informed Boeing that it would be willing to acquire the 737 MAX 10 aircraft rejected by US customers, at the appropriate price.
The financial director of Ryanair, Neil Sorahan, said: “If Scott Kirby (CEO of United Airlines) does not want to take delivery of his MAX 10s, we will be happy to accept them at the right price.”
A Delta Air Lines is another major MAX 10 customer and plans to acquire at least 100 of these aircraft. As published on their website: “Delta will add 100 next-generation, fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to its fleet, with options for 30 more. The aircraft, which will begin delivery in 2025…” However, this may be outdated, as Reuters reported in March 2024 that Delta now expects its Boeing 737 MAX 10 deliveries to be delayed until 2027.
A Alaska Airlines, Flydubai, VietJet Air and other airlines have also ordered the MAX 10, although updates on those orders are scarce. According to the Forbes, Alaska Airlines has no intention of abandoning its MAX 10 orders and was “irritated” by the United Airlines for doubting the plane. Other airlines have placed smaller orders for the MAX 10. For example, in July 2024, the Luxair ordered four MAX 10 planes.
Clearly, if it weren't for the delays and issues faced by Boeing, the MAX 10 would be a very popular choice. According to Boeing, the MAX 10 “It offers the best economy per seat of any single-aisle aircraft; the 737-10 can carry up to 230 engers and offers a range of up to 3.100 nautical miles (5.740 km).”
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