United leadership is still betting on the 737 MAX 10 despite ongoing delivery delays at Boeing. The aircraft – which has yet to gain FAA certification – is the largest 737 variant to date.
“ We are becoming more hopeful that the MAX 10 will be an important gauge for United,” shared United’s chief financial officer, Mike Leskinen, during a Wednesday earnings call.
The Chicago-based airline first ordered the MAX 10 variant in 2017 with plans for 100 aircraft. At the time, Boeing had planned to deliver the first aircraft in late 2020.
Production quality lapses and increased regulatory scrutiny have further delayed several of Boeing’s new aircraft programs, including the 777X, 737 MAX 7, and 737 MAX 10.
“ With Boeing starting to make some real progress in improving their business, we’re becoming more bullish on the MAX 10,” Leskinen continued.
Several airlines have placed orders for the MAX 10, including American, Delta, and United. The aircraft’s delivery timeline remains uncertain. Delta expects to receive its first MAX 10 in 2026.
Betting on the MAX 9
Leskinen added that the airline remains pleased with the 737 MAX 9, which he called a “great aircraft.” United has 85 MAX 9 aircraft in its fleet with more on order.
“ Whether it’s the MAX 9 or 10, our gauge is going to increase a lot,” continued the airline’s commercial chief, Andrew Nocella. “The [MAX] 10 would be great, but I’m counting on the [MAX] 9 and the A321. … If we have the [MAX] 10 available to us, that only helps it even further.”
