Boeing Completes First 737 MAX Landing Gear Exchange with American Airlines

Boeing and American Airlines have completed the first landing gear exchange on a Boeing 737 MAX, marking an important milestone for fleet sustainment. The operation is part of Boeing Global Services' Landing Gear Exchange program, which allows operators to replace assemblies that have reached their overhaul interval with units overhauled and certified by the manufacturer.

The program reduces aircraft downtime and avoids keeping planes in hangars for weeks, as well as lowering the need to tie up capital in high-cost rotable spares. According to Boeing Global Services' senior vice president of Spares, Distribution and Supply Chain, William Ampofo, 'Extending the program to the 737 MAX gives operators another proven tool to shorten downtime, manage costs, and align heavy maintenance with operational requirements.'

The landing gear exchange on the 737 MAX is a key step in maintaining the fleet's reliability and efficiency. The program also enables airlines to coordinate with MRO shops certified worldwide and enable forward-exchange inventory near their maintenance centers.