History of Boeing 737 MAX in Timeline
The Boeing 737 MAX, a narrow-body airliner produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes, is the fourth generation of the 737 series. It follows the 737 Next Generation (NG) and rivals the Airbus A320neo family. Announced in August 2011, the 737 MAX first took flight in January 2016 and received FAA certification in March 2017. Malindo Air became the launch customer, accepting and operating the first delivered aircraft, a MAX 8, in May 2017.
April 9, 1967: Maiden flight of Boeing 737-100
The original 737-100 took its first flight on April 9, 1967.
December 15, 1967: Original 737 gains airworthiness approval
The legacy 737 series received its initial airworthiness approval on December 15, 1967.
2006: Boeing Considers 737 Replacement
Boeing began considering replacing the 737 with a clean-sheet design in 2006.
March 2010: Estimated Cost of Re-Engining the 737
In March 2010, Boeing estimated the cost of re-engining the 737 to be between US$2-3 billion.
June 2010: Boeing Postpones Decision on 737 Replacement
In June 2010, Boeing executives postponed the decision on replacing the 737 with a new design.
December 1, 2010: Airbus Launches A320neo Family
On December 1, 2010, Airbus launched the A320neo family, a direct competitor to the Boeing 737, offering improved fuel efficiency.
February 2011: Boeing CEO Announces Plans for New Airplane
Boeing CEO Jim McNerney announced plans for a new airplane in February 2011.
March 2011: Boeing Considers Re-Engining the 737
In March 2011, Boeing explored the possibility of re-engining the 737.
August 2011: Engine Fan Diameter Decision
In August 2011, Boeing faced a critical decision regarding the fan diameter for the LEAP-1B engine, weighing the trade-offs between efficiency gains from a larger fan and the increased weight and drag it would create. This decision had implications for necessary landing gear changes to maintain ground clearance.
November 2011: Larger Fan Diameter Selection
In November 2011, Boeing chose the larger fan diameter for the LEAP-1B engine, a decision that necessitated a longer nose landing gear.
November 17, 2011: Initial commitments for 737 MAX
By November 17, 2011, Boeing had accumulated 700 commitments for the 737 MAX from nine customers, including Lion Air and SMBC Aviation Capital, marking a strong start for the aircraft's order book.
December 2011: Growing commitments and firm orders for 737 MAX
By December 2011, the Boeing 737 MAX had secured 948 commitments and firm orders from thirteen customers, indicating robust demand for the new aircraft.
2011: 737 MAX Cockpit Design and Systems
In 2011, Rockwell Collins was selected to supply new LCD displays for the 737 MAX cockpit. Boeing aimed to maintain commonality with the 737NG flight deck, minimizing pilot training requirements.
2011: CFM LEAP-1B Engine Development
In 2011, the CFM LEAP-1B engine, designed for the 737 MAX, demonstrated significant improvements in efficiency, noise reduction, and emissions compared to the CFM56-7B used in previous 737NG models. Its advanced design and materials contributed to a 15% reduction in thrust-specific fuel consumption and notable environmental benefits.
2011: Southwest Airlines Signed as Launch Customer for 737 MAX
Southwest Airlines was signed as the launch customer for the 737 MAX in 2011.
January 2012: Bernstein Research Predicts Higher Development Cost for 737 MAX
In January 2012, Bernstein Research predicted the development cost of the 737 MAX would be double that of the A320neo.
February 2012: Lion Air Orders 737 MAX 9
Lion Air placed an order for 201 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft in February 2012, becoming the launch customer.
May 2012: Further Engine Fan Enlargement
Boeing further increased the fan diameter to 69.4 inches in May 2012, alongside minor design changes to the engine core.
July 23, 2013: 737 MAX 8 Configuration Finalized
Boeing finalized the configuration for the 737 MAX 8 on July 23, 2013.
2013: Final Engine Configuration
In 2013, the final configuration for the LEAP-1B engine, incorporating the larger fan and design adjustments, was finalized.
2013: Firm Configuration for 737 MAX Scheduled
The firm configuration for the 737 MAX was scheduled for 2013.
September 8, 2014: Ryanair's order for 737 MAX
On September 8, 2014, Ryanair placed an order for 100 firm 737 MAX aircraft with options for an additional 100, showcasing the airline's commitment to expanding its fleet with Boeing's latest model.
September 2014: Boeing Launches High-Density 737 MAX 8 (737 MAX 200)
In September 2014, Boeing introduced the 737 MAX 200, a high-density variant of the 737 MAX 8 designed to accommodate up to 200 passengers. This version boasts improved cost efficiency and lower operating costs compared to existing 737 models.
November 2014: Boeing Discusses 737 Replacement Plans
In November 2014, Boeing discussed plans to replace the 737 with a new aircraft by 2030, potentially using composite materials.
December 2014: Ryanair Finalizes Order for 100 737 MAX 200s
Ryanair finalized an order for 100 737 MAX 200 aircraft in December 2014, solidifying the high-density variant's market entry.
August 13, 2015: First 737 MAX Fuselage Assembled
The first 737 MAX fuselage was assembled on August 13, 2015, at Spirit Aerosystems.
December 8, 2015: First 737 MAX Rollout
The first 737 MAX, a MAX 8 named "Spirit of Renton," was rolled out on December 8, 2015.
January 2016: First Flight of the 737 MAX
The first flight of the Boeing 737 MAX took place in January 2016.
January 29, 2016: 737 MAX first test flight
The 737 MAX completed its first test flight on January 29, 2016, from Renton Municipal Airport
July 2016: 737 MAX 7 Design and Performance Details
Details about the 737 MAX 7, including its increased capacity, design modifications compared to the 737-700, and performance improvements like extended range and lower fuel costs, were announced at the July 2016 Farnborough Air Show.
September 2016: Proposed Design for 737 MAX 10
In September 2016, Boeing proposed a design for the 737 MAX 10, featuring a modest stretch, stronger wings, a larger engine, and modifications to the landing gear.
October 2016: Unveiling of BBJ MAX 7
In October 2016, Boeing unveiled the BBJ MAX 7, which boasts a 7,000 nautical miles range and 10% lower operating costs compared to the original BBJ, while being larger. This introduction expanded Boeing's BBJ offerings in the market.
October 2016: Boeing Authorizes Offer for Stretched 737 Variant
In October 2016, Boeing's board approved offering the stretched 737 MAX 10 variant.
2016: Boeing Plans Range Improvement for 737 MAX 9
In 2016, Boeing announced plans to increase the range of the 737 MAX 9 after 2021.
2016: Planned Range Improvement for MAX 8
In 2016, Boeing outlined plans to improve the range of the 737 MAX 8 beyond 2021.
January 2017: GECAS orders 737 MAX
In January 2017, aircraft leasing company GECAS ordered 75 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, contributing to the growing order book for the MAX series.
March 7, 2017: 737 MAX 9 Rollout
The 737 MAX 9 was officially rolled out on March 7, 2017.
March 8, 2017: FAA certifies 737 MAX
On March 8, 2017, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified the 737 MAX.
March 2017: FAA Certification of the 737 MAX
In March 2017, the Boeing 737 MAX received certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
March 27, 2017: EASA approves 737 MAX
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) granted approval for the 737 MAX on March 27, 2017.
April 13, 2017: First Flight of 737 MAX 9
The 737 MAX 9 completed its maiden flight on April 13, 2017.
April 2017: Boeing suspends 737 MAX flights
In April 2017, Boeing briefly suspended 737 MAX flights due to a potential manufacturing issue with LEAP-1B engines, and resumed flights after investigation.
May 2017: 737 MAX 8 Enters Service
The 737 MAX 8 entered service in May 2017.
May 2017: First Delivery of 737 MAX
The first 737 MAX, a MAX 8 variant, was delivered to Malindo Air and entered into service in May 2017.
May 16, 2017: First 737 MAX delivery
Malindo Air (now known as Batik Air Malaysia) received the first 737 MAX delivery on May 16, 2017.
May 22, 2017: First Commercial Flight of 737 MAX 8
The first commercial flight of a 737 MAX 8 occurred on May 22, 2017, operated by Malindo Air between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
June 19, 2017: 737 MAX 10 Launch
The 737 MAX 10 was officially launched on June 19, 2017, with numerous orders and commitments from various customers. United Airlines emerged as the largest customer, converting many of its MAX 9 orders to the MAX 10.
July 15, 2017: Norwegian performs first transatlantic 737 MAX flight
Norwegian Air International made the first 737 MAX transatlantic flight on July 15, 2017.
August 29, 2017: Southwest Airlines receives first 737 MAX
On August 29, 2017, Southwest Airlines, the launch customer, took delivery of its first 737 MAX.
October 2017: Wing Spar Production Begins
Production began on the first wing spar for the 737 MAX 7 in October 2017.
November 22, 2017: First Flight-Test Aircraft Assembly Begins
Assembly of the first 737 MAX 7 flight-test aircraft started on November 22, 2017.
2017: Boeing Showcases 737 MAX 10 Design
Boeing presented the design of the 737 MAX 10 in early 2017, highlighting its modest stretch and key features.
2017: Boeing to improve 737 MAX production rate
In 2017, Boeing implemented new automated systems to improve its 737 MAX production including a new spar-assembly line and an automated panel assembly line.
2017: 737 MAX 9 Flight Tests
Throughout 2017, the 737 MAX 9 underwent extensive flight testing.
2017: Boeing Switches to Composite Thrust Reverser Part
To meet production demands in 2017, Boeing switched to a composite thrust reverser part produced by Spirit Aerosystems.
February 5, 2018: 737 MAX 7 Rollout
The first 737 MAX 7 was rolled out of the factory on February 5, 2018.
February 2018: Demand Forecast for 737 MAX Variants
In February 2018, Boeing projected the demand distribution across the 737 MAX family, estimating the majority of orders for the MAX 8.
February 2018: 737 MAX 9 Certified
The 737 MAX 9 received certification in February 2018.
February 2018: 737 MAX 10 Configuration Firmed Up
The configuration of the 737 MAX 10 was finalized in February 2018.
March 2018: 737 MAX 9 Enters Service
The 737 MAX 9 entered service in March 2018.
March 16, 2018: 737 MAX 7 First Flight
The 737 MAX 7 completed its inaugural flight on March 16, 2018, taking off from Renton, Washington, and landing at Moses Lake.
March 21, 2018: First 737 MAX 9 Delivery
Lion Air Group took delivery of the first 737 MAX 9 on March 21, 2018.
April 16, 2018: First flight of BBJ MAX 8
On April 16, 2018, the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) MAX 8 had its first flight. This business jet variant of the 737 MAX series is equipped with CFM LEAP-1B engines and advanced winglets, offering a range of 6,640 nautical miles with an auxiliary fuel tank.
August 2018: Production rate increase causes strain in production
In August 2018, Boeing experienced production issues due to late delivery of engines and fuselages, resulting in parked unfinished planes awaiting parts.
August 2018: Assembly of 737 MAX 10 Begins
The assembly of the 737 MAX 10 commenced in August 2018.
October 29, 2018: Lion Air Flight 610 crashes
Lion Air Flight 610 crashed on October 29, 2018, leading to the grounding of the 737 MAX.
November 2018: First Ryanair 737 MAX 200 Rolls Out
In November 2018, the first 737 MAX 200 ordered by Ryanair was rolled out.
December 15, 2018: First plane delivered from Zhoushan facility
The first 737 was delivered from the new completion and delivery center in Zhoushan, China, on December 15, 2018.
2018: Design Freeze for 737 MAX 10
The design of the 737 MAX 10 was planned to be finalized in 2018.
2018: Value of a New MAX 8
The value of a new 737 MAX 8 rose to just under $54.5 million by mid-2018.
2018: Two Fatal Accidents Involving the 737 MAX
Two fatal accidents involving the 737 MAX, Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, occurred in 2018 and 2019, resulting in a total of 346 deaths.
January 13, 2019: First Flight of Ryanair's 737 MAX 200
The first Ryanair 737 MAX 200 took its maiden flight on January 13, 2019.
January 2019: 5,011 firm orders for 737 MAX
By January 2019, the Boeing 737 MAX had 5,011 firm orders from 78 identified customers, with the top three being Southwest Airlines, flydubai, and Lion Air, reflecting its widespread market acceptance.
January 2019: Expected Entry into Service and Delays
The 737 MAX 7's entry into service, originally planned for January 2019 with Southwest Airlines, faced repeated delays.
March 10, 2019: Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashes
Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed on March 10, 2019, contributing to the grounding of the 737 MAX.
March 13, 2019: FAA grounds 737 MAX
On March 13, 2019, The FAA grounded the 737 MAX following two fatal accidents.
March 2019: 737 MAX Grounding Impacts Orders
Following the grounding in March 2019, Boeing faced over 1,000 order cancellations, leading them to seek new customers for already-built aircraft.
March 2019: Desired Earlier Launch Date for MAX 10
Some airlines expressed a preference for an earlier launch date of the 737 MAX 10, ideally in March 2019.
March 2019: Global Grounding of the 737 MAX
The 737 MAX was grounded worldwide in March 2019 following two fatal accidents.
April 2019: Boeing reduces 737 production
Boeing temporarily reduced its 737 production rate in April 2019 following the grounding of the MAX.
April 2019: Planned Entry into Service Deferred
The planned entry into service of the 737 MAX 200 in April 2019 was deferred due to the grounding of the 737 MAX.
October 25, 2019: Final report on Lion Air Flight 610 crash
On October 25, 2019, Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee released its final report on the Lion Air Flight 610 crash, attributing the accident to a malfunction in the MCAS system due to faulty sensor data. This report highlighted the critical role of software issues in the aircraft's safety.
November 2019: Delay in 737 MAX 200 Deliveries
Ryanair announced a further delay in 737 MAX 200 deliveries in November 2019 due to design issues with the exit doors.
November 22, 2019: First 737 MAX 10 Unveiled
On November 22, 2019, Boeing unveiled the first 737 MAX 10.
December 16, 2019: Boeing suspends 737 MAX production
On December 16, 2019, Boeing announced the suspension of 737 MAX production starting January 2020. This decision was made to conserve cash following the aircraft's grounding and production rate reduction.
2019: Boeing plans to increase 737 MAX production rate
Boeing announced in 2019 plans to increase 737 MAX monthly production rate to 57 planes.
2019: Estimated Operating Margin and Cost Increases
In 2019, Moody's estimated a substantial operating margin for each 737 MAX 8. However, the two crashes, grounding, and production disruptions led to significant cost increases and reduced margins, impacting Boeing's credit rating.
2019: Planned First Flight
The first flight of the 737 MAX 10 was scheduled for late 2019.
2019: Potential Availability of Uprated Engine
The uprated LEAP-1B engine for the 737 MAX 10 was expected to be available by 2019 or 2020.
January 2020: Issue with MAX software discovered
A problem with the updated MAX software was discovered in early January 2020 which affected its recertification.
January 2020: Boeing projects mid-2020 return to service for MAX
As of January 2020, Boeing estimated that the MAX would return to service by mid-2020.
January 2020: 737 MAX Production Restart and Inventory Plans
In January 2020, Boeing planned to restart 737 MAX production in April and estimated it would take 1.5 years to clear the inventory of 400 airplanes.
February 2020: Reassessment of Boeing 737 MAX
In February 2020, both the FAA and EASA reevaluated the 737 MAX and concluded that the aircraft's stability and stall characteristics were acceptable regardless of the presence of MCAS.
May 2020: Ryanair Renegotiates and Expands 737 MAX 200 Order
In May 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Ryanair renegotiated its order and added 75 more 737 MAX 200 aircraft.
July 2020: Planned Entry into Service
The 737 MAX 10 was slated to enter service in July 2020.
August 2020: Boeing hopes for August 2020 recertification
In late April 2020, Boeing revised its estimate, hoping to achieve regulatory approval for the MAX by August 2020.
November 2020: End of Global Grounding
The global grounding of the 737 MAX ended in November 2020.
November 18, 2020: FAA Clears 737 MAX for Return to Service
On November 18, 2020, the FAA cleared the 737 MAX to return to service following its grounding, mandating design and training changes.
November 30, 2020: Ungrounding of Boeing 737 MAX
By November 30, 2020, the Boeing 737 MAX had been ungrounded, with 4,039 unfilled orders remaining. This date marked a significant development in the aircraft's return to service after its grounding in 2019.
2020: Targeted Introduction of 737 MAX 10
Boeing aimed to introduce the 737 MAX 10 in 2020.
2020: Boeing suspends 737 MAX production
In 2020, Boeing suspended 737 MAX production in January due to the grounding and prioritized delivery of stored aircraft.
2020: FAA lifts grounding order for 737 MAX
In 2020, The FAA lifted its grounding order for the 737 MAX after the implementation of necessary repairs and changes.
2020: FAA Type Certificate and Marketing Designation Change
In 2020, the FAA updated the type certificate and marketing designation for the 737 MAX series.
2020: Aircraft Safety and Certification Reform Act Passed
The U.S. Aircraft Safety and Certification Reform Act of 2020, passed in response to the MAX crashes, introduced new safety requirements, including the EICAS mandate.
2020: Planned First Flight
The first flight of the 737 MAX 10 was anticipated in 2020.
2020: Potential Availability of Uprated Engine
The uprated LEAP-1B engine for the 737 MAX 10 was expected to be available by 2019 or 2020.
January 2021: Canadian and European Authorities Clear 737 MAX
Canadian and European authorities cleared the 737 MAX to return to service in late January 2021, following the FAA's decision.
March 31, 2021: FAA Certifies the 737 MAX 200
The FAA certified the 737 MAX 200 on March 31, 2021, paving the way for its commercial operation.
June 2021: Ryanair Receives First 737 MAX 200
Ryanair took delivery of its first 737 MAX 200 in June 2021.
June 2021: 737 MAX 200 Enters Service
The 737 MAX 200, a high-density version of the MAX 8, started service in June 2021.
June 18, 2021: Maiden Flight of 737 MAX 10
The 737 MAX 10 successfully completed its maiden flight on June 18, 2021.
June 29, 2021: United Airlines Orders Additional 737 MAX 10s
United Airlines placed an order for 150 more 737 MAX 10 aircraft on June 29, 2021.
September 2021: Ryanair Fails to Reach Agreement with Boeing on MAX 10 Order
Ryanair and Boeing could not reach an agreement on an order for 737 MAX 10s in September 2021.
December 2021: Chinese Authorities Lift Grounding of 737 MAX
By December 2021, Chinese authorities lifted their grounding of the 737 MAX, with most countries worldwide having cleared the aircraft for return to service.
December 2021: China Clears 737 MAX for Return to Service
In December 2021, China's civil aviation regulator (CAAC) cleared the 94 grounded 737 MAX jets to fly again.
2021: 737 MAX Production Resumes, New Orders Received, and Delivery Plans
Boeing resumed 737 MAX production at a low rate in May 2020, aiming to increase it to 31 per month in 2021. They also received new orders and planned to deliver about half of the stockpiled aircraft in 2021.
2021: Target Year for Range Improvement
Boeing targeted 2021 as the year for implementing the planned range improvements for the 737 MAX 8.
2021: Planned Range Improvement Implementation
The range improvement for the 737 Max 9 was planned for implementation after 2021.
January 2022: 737 MAX Production Ramp-Up Progress
In January 2022, Boeing reported producing 27 737 MAX aircraft per month and aimed to further increase the rate.
March 2022: Boeing Considers Exemption Request for MAX 7 and MAX 10
In March 2022, Boeing considered requesting an exemption from the EICAS requirement for the MAX 7 and MAX 10.
November 2022: Certification Delays for MAX 7 and MAX 10 Announced
Boeing announced expected delays in the certification of the MAX 7 and MAX 10 in November 2022.
November 2022: Boeing CEO announces MAX 10 service entry
In November 2022, Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stanley Deal announced that the Boeing 737 MAX 10 was expected to enter service in 2024. This statement was made during a conference with investors, indicating the company's timeline for the aircraft's introduction.
December 2022: Delivery of 1000th Boeing 737 MAX
In December 2022, Boeing delivered the 1000th 737 MAX, representing a significant milestone in the aircraft's production and delivery history.
December 2022: Congress Allows MAX 7 and MAX 10 Certification without EICAS, but with Conditions
In December 2022, the U.S. Congress allowed Boeing to certify the MAX 7 and MAX 10 without EICAS, but required the installation of a third angle-of-attack sensor and a stick shaker disable switch in all 737 MAX aircraft.
2022: Southwest's Early MAX 8 Delivery
Due to the MAX 7 delays, Southwest Airlines opted to take early delivery of its MAX 8 orders in 2022.
2022: Projected Production Rate Increase by Spirit AeroSystems
Spirit AeroSystems, a supplier for the 737 MAX, projected a return to the full production rate of 52 aircraft per month by late 2022.
December 31, 2022: EICAS Requirement Deadline
December 31, 2022 was the deadline for new aircraft certifications to comply with the EICAS requirement, prompting Boeing to seek an exemption for the MAX 7 and MAX 10.
January 2023: New 737 MAX Production Line Announced
Boeing announced plans for a fourth 737 MAX production line at the Everett Factory in January 2023, replacing the 787 line.
May 2023: Ryanair Orders 150 737 MAX 10s
Ryanair announced an order for 150 737 MAX 10 aircraft in May 2023.
July 2023: Boeing reveals 737 MAX subtype orders
In July 2023, Boeing revealed the distribution of 737 MAX subtype orders: 2,751 MAX 8, 810 MAX 10, 344 MAX 200, 297 MAX 7, and 137 MAX 9. This information provides insight into customer preferences within the MAX family.
August 2023: Engine Anti-ice Issue Discovered on All MAX Variants
Boeing discovered a problem with the engine anti-ice system affecting all MAX variants in August 2023.
October 2023: Largest operators of Boeing 737 MAX
As of October 2023, the five largest operators of the Boeing 737 MAX were Southwest Airlines with 207 aircraft, United Airlines with 145, Ryanair Holdings with 126, Alaska Airlines with 62, and American Airlines with 54. This data reflects the significant presence of the 737 MAX in major airlines' fleets.
October 2023: Revised delivery timeline for MAX 10
By October 2023, Boeing anticipated that deliveries of the 737 MAX 10 would begin in early 2025, marking a shift from previous expectations. This update reflects changes in the production and delivery schedule for the aircraft.
December 2023: Boeing Requests Exemption for MAX 7 Engine Anti-ice System
In December 2023, Boeing requested an exemption related to a problem with the engine anti-ice system on the MAX 7.
2023: 737 MAX 9 Valuation
As of 2023, the value of a 737 MAX 9 was reported to be the same as a MAX 8.
2023: Expected Start of Deliveries
Boeing anticipated that deliveries of the 737 MAX 10 would begin in 2023.
2023: Planned Production Increase and Achievement of 31 Aircraft per Month
Boeing planned to increase 737 MAX production to about 47 per month by the end of 2023. By July 2023, they successfully reached their goal of producing 31 aircraft per month. However, they faced supply chain disruptions in September.
2023: Increased Production Costs and Compensation
By 2023, Boeing faced increased costs for producing the remaining 737 MAX aircraft, including abnormal costs related to restarting production and concessions to customers.
2023: Expected Resumption of 737 MAX Deliveries in China
Deliveries of Chinese airplanes stored by Boeing are expected to resume in the fourth quarter of 2023.
2023: Expected Certification of MAX 7
In November 2022, Boeing anticipated the certification of the MAX 7 in early 2023.
January 5, 2024: Incident on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282
On January 5, 2024, Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, a 737 MAX 9, experienced uncontrolled decompression shortly after takeoff from Portland International Airport due to a door plug blowing out. This incident raised concerns about the safety of modifications in aircraft configurations.
January 2024: Boeing Withdraws Exemption Request for MAX 7
Boeing withdrew its exemption request for the MAX 7 in January 2024.
January 2024: FAA Halts 737 MAX Production Expansion
Following the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 accident in January 2024, the FAA halted any expansion of 737 MAX production pending stricter quality control measures.
January 2024: Doorway Closure Incident on Alaska Airlines Flight
In January 2024, an incident on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 involving a blown-out doorway closure led to a temporary grounding and inspections of 737 MAX 9 aircraft. The issue was identified as an improperly bolted plug during production, leading to further investigations into the production process.
February 5, 2024: NTSB preliminary report on Alaska Airlines incident
On February 5, 2024, the NTSB released a preliminary report stating that missing bolts caused the door plug failure on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. The bolts were not reinstalled after repairs at Boeing's Renton factory, leading to the incident.
February 2024: MAX 7 and MAX 10 Certification Status
As of February 2024, the MAX 7 and MAX 10 are still awaiting certification with no confirmed timeline from the FAA.
February 2024: Estimated Timeframe for Engine Anti-ice Fix
In February 2024, Boeing estimated 9-18 months to fix the engine anti-ice issue.
May 2024: Investigation into Southwest Airlines Flight 746 incident
In May 2024, US authorities investigated an incident on Southwest Airlines Flight 746 where the aircraft experienced Dutch roll and rudder power control unit damage. This incident prompted an examination of mechanical failures and their impact on flight safety.
October 2024: 737 MAX Order and Delivery Status
As of October 2024, the 737 MAX had 4,793 unfilled orders and 1,654 deliveries. The MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants were still awaiting certification from the FAA.
2024: Expected Delivery of MAX 7 and MAX 10
Deliveries of the MAX 7 and MAX 10 are anticipated to start in 2024, following delays.
2024: Expected Certification of MAX 10
In November 2022, Boeing anticipated the certification of the MAX 10 in early 2024.
2026: Potential MAX 7 Delivery to Southwest
Southwest Airlines indicated a possible delivery date of 2026 for the MAX 7.
2027: Potential MAX 7 Delivery to Southwest
Southwest Airlines suggested 2027 as another possible delivery date for the MAX 7.
2030: Target Date for 737 Replacement
Boeing set a target date of 2030 for the replacement of the 737 with a new aircraft design.
January 2024: Southwest's Fleet Planning Update
As of January 2024, Southwest Airlines removed the MAX 7 from its near-term fleet plans but maintained commitment to eventually incorporating the aircraft type, potentially as late as 2026 or 2027.
