Boeing’s 737 MAX 10, launched in 2017 as a competitor to the Airbus A321neo, is approaching the final stage of certification after years of delays. The highest-capacity member of the family, which can accommodate up to 230 passengers in a single-class configuration, has yet to enter commercial service.
One of the main causes of the delay was a technical issue involving the engine anti-ice system. It was found that prolonged use of the system under certain dry-air conditions could cause parts of the engine inlet to overheat. Boeing withdrew its request for a temporary exemption in January 2024 and began redesigning the system.
Certification work on the redesigned system is continuing, with the 737 MAX 10 programme reported to be approximately 98 percent complete and only two flight tests remaining. The FAA expects certification to be granted by the end of 2026, with first deliveries planned for 2027.
The 737 MAX 10 accounts for more than 28 percent of Boeing’s undelivered 737 MAX order backlog. Ryanair expects to receive its first 15 aircraft in spring 2027, while WestJet plans to add the type to its fleet in the first quarter of the same year.
