Alaska Air expects Boeing 737 MAX 10 certification by month-end
by@Reuters
Summary
Alaska Air expects the Boeing 737 MAX 10 to receive certification from the Federal Aviation Administration by the end of September, allowing the airline to take delivery of its first aircraft next spring, according to Chief Operating Officer Jason Berry. This certification is a critical regulatory milestone as it has been delayed for years, and it directly impacts Boeing's financial recovery since the MAX 10 accounts for approximately 31% of the company's undelivered 737 orders. Alaska plans to incorporate the MAX 10 into its fleet to enhance capacity on busy routes, with projections for 22 deliveries in 2027 and 30 in 2028.
Tokens
$ALK$BA
Analysis
Boeing: Boeing is an aerospace manufacturer that produces commercial jetliners including the 737 MAX family along with defense and space products. The company is working with the FAA on final documentation for the 737 MAX 10 following completed flight testing. Its CEO recently indicated that certification is imminent as part of efforts to advance deliveries. Alaska Air: Alaska Air is a major U.S. airline headquartered in Seattle that operates passenger flights primarily along the West Coast and to destinations across North America. The carrier is preparing to integrate the Boeing 737 MAX 10 into its fleet as part of its expansion strategy on busy routes. Its Chief Operating Officer provided details on the expected certification and service timeline for the aircraft. Jason Berry: Jason Berry serves as Chief Operating Officer at Alaska Air where he oversees operational planning including aircraft introductions. He communicated the airline's expectations for 737 MAX 10 certification and subsequent pilot training requirements. Berry noted the aggressive schedule while emphasizing that the team remains focused on meeting the timeline. Kelly Ortberg: Kelly Ortberg is the Chief Executive Officer of Boeing responsible for guiding the company's commercial aircraft programs. He stated last week that 737 MAX 10 certification is approaching soon after flight testing concluded. Ortberg has been addressing the regulatory steps needed to resume deliveries of the variant. Fleet Integration: Alaska Air plans to use the larger MAX 10 variant to add capacity on existing high-demand routes without increasing flight frequency. Regulatory Milestone: The FAA must complete its certification review of the 737 MAX 10 before Boeing can begin deliveries to customers. Order Backlog Significance: The MAX 10 represents a substantial portion of Boeing's remaining 737 undelivered orders.
Categories
macro