Boeing 737 MAX To Begin Being Scrapped

GA Telesis will begin scrapping Boeing 737-8s from the MAX family, announcing its first disassembly programme.

The move expands the supply of used components across the latest generation of narrowbody aircraft, as replacement parts become necessary despite their relatively young age.

The announcement of the 737 MAX and expected scrapping comes as other aftermarket specialists in the industry begin targeting the Airbus A320neo for the secondary market.

Announced on 15 October 2026, GA Telesis said it will recover avionics, flight controls, landing gear equipment, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and nacelle components, among other areas, during the scrapping process before what’s left of the aircraft becomes unrecognizable.

These components will then be distributed through the aftermarket network, where airlines and maintenance providers can secure stock to support their fleets and the MAX’s future as it ages.

737 MAXs being scrapped already?

The 737-8 and the broader 737 MAX family are still young, with two variants yet to operate scheduled passenger flights, and now the most popular variant has begun a teardown programme.

Boeing delivered the first 737-8 to Malindo Air in May 2017, almost a decade ago; even the earliest example of the type has yet to reach mid-life, given the average single-aisle lifespan and the 737 MAX’s efficiency and performance.

Aircraft age, however, does not determine whether a plane will continue operating, nor does it eliminate the need for aftermarket support. In some cases, aftermarket support is the most attractive option for certain units, rather than finding a new home and continuing passenger flights.

The value of these aircraft as operating assets, plus the recoverable value of their engines and components, particularly if those components are scarce, can far outweigh the operational value of continuing to fly. Strong demand for these parts, which are necessary for a type like the 737-8 used worldwide by many operators, necessitates aftermarket support.

GA Telesis hasn’t disclosed the identity of the selected aircraft or the acquisition costs, but it is establishing this line for the 737-8 to enable teardowns and fill the aftermarket with valuable parts. GA Telesis says those parts are a priority to get to market so operators don’t have to rely on new replacement components that come with delays or high prices.

Is the Boeing 737 MAX alone in early scrapping?

GA Telesis says the 737-8 programme will first carefully extract vital components before scrapping the remaining parts and recycling them. But the 737-8 isn’t alone; it marks a new era in scrapping next-generation jets.

Dedicated teardown programmes for the next-generation airframes in production today are becoming more visible. In September, Tarmac Aerosave and AerFin confirmed their programme would cover more than 10 aircraft, including the Airbus A320neo and the 737 MAX.

With this announcement, Tarmac plans to establish a dedicated line for cabin and landing gear removals, along with key management of component lists. The A320neo has also been front and centre in teardowns this year, following the Spirit Airlines collapse, as parts enter the aftermarket to support airlines.

Demand for both families has been strained by limited aftermarket parts, worsened by the limited availability of units to scrap, given their age and the need for most global airlines.

The global fleet is still expanding, and orders are being placed; however, the A320neo and 737 MAX families are still young, which doesn’t mean the aftermarket isn’t required, and it means companies like GA Telesis must be strategic in their acquisition efforts.