Three years after ordering the aircraft type, Delta isn’t expecting to receive new Boeing 737 MAXs until at least 2026. The Atlanta-based airline disclosed the updated delivery timeline in a February regulatory filing.
Delta first ordered the 737 MAX 10 in July 2022, with deliveries initially expected this year. The carrier has firm orders for 100 MAX 10s and options for 30 more.
The 737 MAX 10 has yet to receive Federal Aviation Administration certification. Along with Delta, major U.S. airlines American and United also have the jet on order, which is the largest 737 variant.
In late 2023, Delta said it expected to take delivery of its first 20 737 MAX 10s in 2025. However, the airline shifted this plan to 2026 late last year.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian recently said the airline’s first 737 MAX delivery could slip into 2027. The carrier has some contract flexibility with Boeing “if the [MAX] 10 isn’t produced,” he added.
The airline could also extend the life of some Boeing 757 and 737-800 aircraft depending on new delivery timelines.
According to its latest filing, Delta expects to receive 43 new aircraft in 2025, all of which are from Airbus.
