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

Alaska Air is expecting certification for Boeing's 737 MAX 10 by the end of September, according to Chief Operating Officer Jason Berry. This will allow the airline to take delivery of its first aircraft next spring and put it into passenger service between April and mid-May.

The Federal Aviation Administration must certify the MAX 10 before Boeing can begin deliveries, which is a critical milestone for the company's financial recovery. The MAX 10 accounted for about 31% of Boeing's undelivered 737 orders at the end of June.

Alaska Air has made the 737 MAX 10 a major part of its growth plans, with 22 deliveries expected in 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.