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In the United States, five airlines are currently operating Boeing 737 MAX aircraft: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Together, these airlines have received 650 of the 1,815 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft delivered globally.
American Airlines was instrumental in launching the Boeing 737 MAX. On July 20, 2011, they placed a significant order for narrowbody aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing. This included an order for what would become the new evolution of the 737NG with improved fuel efficiency. "American is pleased to be the first airline to commit to Boeing’s new 737 family offering," said American Airlines at that time.
The history of the Boeing 737 MAX has been marred by two fatal crashes which led to scrutiny over its Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS). In January 2021, Boeing reached a deferred prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ), resulting in a $2.5 billion fine. The case was reopened after an incident involving Alaska Airlines' 737 MAX in January 2024. However, under the Trump administration's DOJ leadership, a non-prosecution agreement was reached.
