United Airlines has requested Boeing to halt the production of B737-10 aircraft for the airline until the variant is certified and instead focus on building B737-9s, which can be delivered in a more predictable timeframe, as stated by CEO Scott Kirby during a conference.
Due to uncertainty surrounding the certification timeline for the B737-10, United Airlines has decided to put a hold on orders for that variant and is considering the A321-200neo as an alternative to fill the gap in its narrowbody subfleet, depending on securing economically viable deals.
United Airlines, the largest customer for the B737-10 with 277 aircraft on order, expressed frustration over certification delays and reduced its expected deliveries of the -10s to zero in 2024 after a mid-air incident involving the B737-9.
The airline currently operates B737-9s and B737-8s, and is in discussions with Airbus for A321neo deliveries, leveraging the existing order of 130 A321neos with a potential addition of A321-200NY(XLR)s, while Airbus is reportedly engaging lessors to adjust delivery slots to attract United with quicker delivery opportunities.
Ryanair says it is prepared to take up United’s Boeing 737-10 orders should they be cancelled or delayed.
