United Airlines is now expecting to receive its first Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets no earlier than 2027. The airline had initially hoped to bring the new aircraft into service well before that, but delays related to regulatory certification and ongoing supply chain problems have pushed the timeline back significantly.
FAA approval stalled by MAX 7 issues
According to Andrew Nocella, United’s Chief Commercial Officer, the Federal Aviation Administration must certify the smaller MAX 7 before the MAX 10 can be approved. Progress on that front has slowed due to required changes involving engine de-icing systems. As a result, the timeline for both models has become more uncertain.
For now, United is prioritizing deliveries of the MAX 9, which is already approved for commercial use. But the airline’s long-term fleet plans included a major role for the MAX 10, which now appears to be years away.
A plan years in the making faces new hurdles
United placed a substantial order for the MAX 10 back in 2017, aiming to use the aircraft for high-capacity domestic and transcontinental routes. The jet was seen as a key part of its modernization strategy, especially as older Boeing 757s edge closer to retirement.
Those plans have been disrupted by delays across the aerospace industry. Boeing is currently restricted to producing no more than 38 MAX jets per month, a cap imposed after an in-flight emergency in 2024 raised new safety concerns. The manufacturer also continues to face part shortages that affect its overall output.
United looks to Airbus for alternatives
With its Boeing deliveries on hold, United is exploring other options to fill the gap. The airline plans to lease up to three dozen Airbus aircraft and has already confirmed the arrival of its first A321XLR for early 2026. That aircraft is expected to replace aging 757s on transatlantic and cross-country routes.
United is also considering adjustments to its original MAX 10 order, although specific changes have not yet been disclosed. The airline remains committed to expanding and renewing its fleet, but acknowledges the need for flexibility as manufacturer timelines continue to shift.
Other carriers face similar delays
United is not alone. Alaska Airlines and other carriers that ordered the MAX 10 do not anticipate receiving the jet before mid-2026. Across the board, operators are being forced to revise schedules and fleet strategies as uncertainty around new aircraft deliveries continues into a second year.
In addition to its MAX 10 delays, United is also experiencing setbacks with its 787-9 upgrade program due to persistent supply chain issues. Executives say the airline is working closely with manufacturers but acknowledge that delays are likely to continue through at least 2026.
Certification complexity and industry strain
The case of the MAX 10 highlights the fragile balance between regulatory oversight, manufacturing capacity, and airline planning. Aircraft certification involves layers of technical and safety review, and even small issues can ripple through production timelines. When supply chains are also stretched, the impact multiplies quickly.
For now, United is adjusting its expectations. The MAX 10 may still be a part of its future, but not as soon as originally planned.