United Airlines Faces Boeing Problems

United Airlines’ Boeing problems continue, but there remains some light at the end of the tunnel following a dark few years.

The problems for the major U.S. carrier centre around the ability to take on next-generation 737 MAX jets from Boeing, as the planes remain uncertified and thus are not permitted to be delivered.

Despite this, there remains some light at the end of the tunnel, as the airline’s Chief Financial Officer reaffirmed his stance during a quarterly earnings call that some deliveries are expected in 2027.

Those deliveries are for the upcoming MAX 10, also known as the 737-10, which is the highest-capacity model in the series and is intended to be integral to the future of United Airlines’ single-aisle operations.

However, the carrier has faced a challenging last few years, with persistent delays on Boeing’s part, which have thrown United’s future planning off course and necessitated a significant change in the fleet makeup.

While the hope remains that deliveries can commence in 2027, United Airlines isn’t shying away from the reality that this may also be unlikely to occur, as earlier reporting this year suggested that a 2028 delivery could be more likely.

As a result, contingency plans are in place that would see the U.S. carrier take on the MAX 9, a smaller variant, instead of the MAX 10, to minimise the loss of available aircraft serving markets.

Ultimately, while these are two very different aircraft, the measures that would be implemented have been carefully planned to mitigate the disruption to the long-term strategy that MAX 10 delays would cause. However, this is still not the most optimal means forward.

United has also shifted towards a greater reliance on the A321neo program from Airbus, as Boeing has lost out on prospective deals due to its struggles. With such uncertainty, this is what makes it difficult for the airline.

What About United Airlines & Airbus?

While much focus rests on United Airlines’ inability to take on types such as the 737 MAX 10, and thus struggles with Boeing, this is no longer isolated to just the American planemaker.

During the same quarterly earnings call, the airline’s Executive VP & Chief Commercial Officer confirmed that there would be fresh delays in the acquisition of the A321XLR from Airbus.

The most recent forecast predicted a first delivery at the top of 2026, which is no longer possible. Fresh expectations suggest a delivery in time for the Summer 2026 season, yet another six months or so delay.

United only confirmed in June, through an interview with CNBC, that it hoped to welcome 12 of the XLR units across 2026; that number is now significantly at risk due to the latest delays.

These Airbus A321XLRs will be key for United Airlines’ continued transition to next-generation aircraft types and will specifically facilitate the gradual phasing out of the Boeing 757 workhorse.