With the Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft delayed, the customer couldn't wait and began to consider a replacement with a smaller, existing aircraft.
United Airlines is one of them. The airline is considering this as a way to address Boeing's delivery delays in order to maintain its fleet growth plans.
United is considering replacing the MAX 10 with more Boeing 737 MAX 9 and Airbus A321neo aircraft, Mike Leskinen, chief financial officer and executive vice president of United, said at a Feb. 20 Citi Global Investor Event. Because the MAX 10 aircraft may be years away from entering service.
United's "United Next" program, launched in 2021, relies heavily on adding larger aircraft. The Boeing-based airline sees the MAX 10 aircraft, the largest aircraft in the 737 MAX family, as a key part of its narrowbody growth.
But Boeing's growing problems with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mean certification and first deliveries of the MAX 10 are not expected until 2025 at the earliest. United CEO Scott Kirby said in January that this prompted United to remove the 737-10 from its fleet program for the foreseeable future.
Another option is to delay the retirement of a batch of older aircraft that will be replaced, including about 60 757s, pending the delivery of the Max 10 aircraft. But United's "United Next" program includes an important element for airlines to reduce costs. Therefore, delayed retirement of some older aircraft needs to be carefully reviewed and may not necessarily be adopted. After all, airlines are not saviors, they need to make money, there is no obligation, and there is no need to wait all the time to buy Boeing planes.
"We have some ways to extend the life of certain aircraft," Leskinen said. "But it's not my favorite option, because some aircraft are already ready for retirement. ”
It is hoped that Boeing will compete and deliver the MAX 10 and MAX 7 aircraft as soon as possible, so as not to be left too far behind by Airbus in the field of narrow-body aircraft. Airlines are evenly matched, and airlines and passengers are the best choices!