Alaska Air Pins Hopes on Boeing's Delayed 737 MAX 10 Certification

Alaska Air is expecting Boeing's 737 MAX 10 to receive certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by the end of September. The airline plans to take delivery of its first aircraft next spring, with the goal of putting the MAX 10 into passenger service between April and mid-May.

Chief Operating Officer Jason Berry told Reuters that Alaska would still need to complete certification work related to the head-up display used by pilots after the aircraft itself is approved. This process is expected to take a few months.

The airline has made the MAX 10 a key part of its growth plans, with 22 deliveries scheduled for 2027 and 30 in 2028. The larger jet will allow Alaska to add seats on busy routes such as New York and Boston without adding more flights.