United Airlines is grappling with significant delays in the delivery of its Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft. Schedules have once again been pushed back, with deliveries now expected 2027 or 2028.
These setbacks stem from ongoing certification challenges with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), impacting the airline’s fleet expansion plans. We take a closer look at the situation, its causes, and how United is adapting.
Certification Woes Stall MAX 10 Deliveries
The Boeing 737 MAX 10, the largest variant of the 737 MAX family, still awaits FAA type certification. However, the smaller MAX 7 must be certified first, and Boeing faces hurdles, notably with the engine anti-ice system.
In February 2024, Boeing estimated a 9-to-18-month timeline to resolve this issue, delaying certification for both models.
As a result, United’s Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Nocella, announced on May 13, 2025, that the airline does not expect MAX 10 deliveries until 2027 or 2028. This uncertainty has forced United to rethink its fleet strategy.
United’s Strategic Pivot
To offset the MAX 10 delays, United is leaning on Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, which are already certified and operational. With 220 seats compared to the MAX 10’s 230, the MAX 9 offers a viable alternative.
Nocella emphasized the need for reliable aircraft, stating, “Until we know the MAX 10 is going to be delivered, we don’t want an aircraft that doesn’t arrive.”
Additionally, United has secured 40 leased Airbus A321neo aircraft for delivery in 2026 and 2027 to fill the gap. These moves ensure United can maintain capacity and expand routes despite Boeing’s delays.
A History of Challenges
United’s MAX 10 journey began with a 100-aircraft order in 2017, with deliveries initially slated for late 2020. However, Boeing’s troubles derailed this timeline.
Two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 grounded the fleet, and a January 2024 door plug incident on a MAX 9 raised further concerns.
Supply chain issues and stricter FAA oversight, including a production cap of 38 planes per month, have compounded delays. United removed the MAX 10 from its 2025 fleet plan in March 2024, reflecting ongoing uncertainty.
Financial and Operational Impacts
The delays have strained United’s growth plans. In 2024, the airline expected 80 MAX 10s but received none, leading to reduced block hours and a pause in pilot hiring for May and June.
To mitigate costs, United has negotiated credit memos from Boeing for existing and future MAX deliveries. Despite frustrations, optimism persists.
In January 2025, Chief Financial Officer Mike Leskinen expressed confidence in Boeing’s progress, noting, “We’re becoming more bullish on the MAX 10.”
Looking Ahead
United’s adaptability—using MAX 9s, leasing Airbus A321neos, and securing compensation—demonstrates a sense of drive and purpose.
However, the MAX 10 delays highlight broader challenges in aviation, from certification bottlenecks to supply chain disruptions.
As United awaits clarity on deliveries, its focus remains on maintaining reliable service and growth. For now, the MAX 10’s arrival remains a distant goal, with 2027 or 2028 as the new goalpost.
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