Boeing Engineers Reject Contract, Threatening MAX 10 Certification Timeline

A proposed four-year contract for Boeing's engineers and technical staff has been rejected by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, potentially leading to a strike that could further delay the certification and delivery of the 737 MAX 10.

The vote, held on August 21, allows union leaders to call a walkout once the current contract expires in October. The rejection is primarily due to a pay dispute, with Boeing's offer capping annual rises at 3 percent while consumer prices in the Seattle area rose 4.5 percent over the past year.

Boeing still targets certification within 2026 and first deliveries beginning in 2027 for the MAX 10, but the strike could stall regulatory close-out even if physical production continues. United Airlines, the launch customer with 167 firm orders, is expected to receive its first examples in the summer of 2027.

Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg had previously stated that operations were 'more stable' and certification programmes remained on track, but this assessment is now under scrutiny. A strike would not only impact Boeing's workforce but also its customers, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, WestJet, and Delta Air Lines.