Delta Expects First 737-10 In 2026

Delta, a major U.S. carrier, has provided an update on the delivery of its upcoming 737-10, part of the MAX series.

In a new filing, the airline said that in the September 2024 quarter, it amended a purchase agreement with Boeing and received an updated delivery schedule.

As part of that updated schedule, the airline will now see the first delivery of the 737-10 in 2026, with 20 units to be delivered.

After the first batch of 20, the airline expects the remaining 80 to be delivered, resulting in 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets flying in its fleet for short—to medium-haul missions.

Guidance on the 737-10 arriving in 2026 is a change from earlier reporting by Bloomberg in 2024 that stated Delta expected its first 737-10 to arrive in 2027.

That report, citing Ed Bastian, the CEO, followed a great deal of uncertainty on the certification and the state Boeing found themselves in to be able to acquire the new single-aisle jet.

As 2025 approaches, onlookers would argue that Boeing doesn’t find itself in a better position. However, fresh guidance indicates that a 2026 delivery for the 737-10 seems attainable.

Boeing Certification Troubles

Despite the MAX series’ strong presence worldwide, its presence could have been far bigger had other variants failed to be approved.

Boeing still has two variants that have yet to be certified in the MAX family, and a timeline for their approval seems increasingly difficult.

The 737-7, the smallest variant in the MAX series, promises greater flexibility at a more modest capacity. Boeing often considers it its best answer to the successful A220.

The 737-10 is the high-capacity MAX variant with a larger fuselage. Many airlines have used it to answer the need for a more middle-of-the-market alternative without a true unit on the market.

Unfortunately, following the two MAX crashes, not only was a colossal amount of life lost, but Boeing’s remaining variants that had yet to be certified were completely thrown into the unknown.

That unknown has continued towards the mid-way point of the decade, with little to no information on when the units will be certified.

From fixes to approvals to many other issues, Boeing has been unable to progress and has left customers like Delta hanging.

The most recent increased oversight, followed by the walkout of 30,000 employees, hasn’t helped the manufacturer’s attempts to get the planes approved, as output has dropped to record lows.

A Switch To Airbus?

Delta’s commitment to the 737 MAX is the only one considering the American planemaker’s future; yes, a switch to a greater reliance on Airbus is on the cards.

For widebodies, the carrier has the A330neo to the A350. Smaller aircraft are also featured, including the A321neo and A220.

These three aircraft families already make up a vital part of their fleet. However, analysts argue that this will grow as the older Boeing jets begin to retire and make way for the next-generation units.

For several reasons, Airbus’ offering has promised to be better for the airline, whether this be thanks to commonality, deals, economics, or generally past deals for aircraft that have not eventuated.

If Delta had relied more on Boeing, questions would undoubtedly have been raised about the operational impact. While Airbus has its own supply chain issues, they are nothing compared to Boeing’s.