United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) has revealed that its recent decision to remove the B737-10 from its internal fleet plan will result in 80 fewer aircraft delivering in 2024 than previously expected.
According to the carrier's annual report, Boeing was contractually due to deliver eighty MAX 10s in 2024, a further 71 in 2025, and the remaining 126 in 2026 and beyond. However, United no longer expects any aircraft in 2024 and said it was "unable to accurately forecast the expected delivery period" for aircraft due after 2025.
"Due to the delay of the certification of the B737-10 aircraft and continued supply chain issues, the company currently expects a reduction in deliveries from Boeing during the next couple of years, which has caused the company to rework its fleet plan and may impact our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows," the airline said.
United Airlines is the world's largest MAX 10 customer, a variant that is yet to be certified. Following the recent withdrawal of a request for a Time Limited Exemption (TLE) and the ensuing need to redesign its engine anti-icing system, even the most optimistic schedules assume type certification only towards the end of 2024 or beyond.
The airline still expects to take thirty-seven B737-8s and nineteen B737-9s in 2024 and the remaining six and 15 of these types in 2025. As such, the deliveries of all B737 MAX variants other than the -10s will conclude by the end of the next year.
The ch-aviation fleets module shows that United currently operates eighty-five -8s and seventy-nine -9s.
United was quick to stress that it was not cancelling the -10 order when it removed the aircraft from its internal fleet plan earlier this year. While reports subsequently surfaced about a potential A321-200neo order, the availability of Airbus production slots is a major hurdle. The US carrier currently operates five A321-200NX with a further 125 on firm order. Deliveries are slated to continue through 2030.
