Boeing has informed Alaska Airlines of delays in the delivery of its 737 MAX and 787-9 aircraft. The delays are affecting Alaska Airlines’ fleet expansion plans, as the airline recently acquired Hawaiian Airlines, which has pending orders for Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
According to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Alaska Airlines stated: “Boeing has communicated that certain 737 and 787-9 aircraft are expected to be delivered later than the contracted delivery timing.” The statement further explained that this includes “787-9 aircraft contracted for delivery between 2024 and 2026 that have been moved later into the contract or into the year following the contracted delivery.”
Alaska Airlines expects several MAX planes initially scheduled for arrival in 2024 to be delayed until 2025. Additionally, six MAX 8s intended for this year will now arrive in 2026. The airline also anticipates receiving three MAX 10s in 2026 and an additional seventeen from 2027 onwards.
The delay issues extend beyond Alaska Airlines. Southwest Airlines, another all-Boeing operator, has adjusted its fleet strategy due to similar challenges. CEO Bob Jordan noted that their expectations for deliveries in 2025 might not be met.
Ryanair also cited Boeing’s delivery delays as a factor impacting its profits last year. CEO Michael O’Leary highlighted concerns about potential further delays affecting summer operations in 2025.
Copa Airlines announced it would suspend four international routes starting January 2025 due to these delivery setbacks, including routes to Santiago de los Caballeros and Tulum.
Boeing is working on recovering from past regulatory scrutiny and production issues. Under new CEO Kelly Ortberg’s leadership, January saw improved delivery numbers with Boeing delivering its highest number of airplanes since January 2019. Among these were forty of the popular 737 MAX model.
In addition to deliveries, Boeing secured thirty-six new aircraft orders in January, most of which were for the 737 MAX model.
