Boeing has informed its customers that deliveries of the B737 MAX aircraft in 2024 and 2025 are likely to face delays of three to six months, with some aircraft planned for 2025 potentially slipping into 2026. This news comes as Bloomberg reported, citing internal sources.
Norwegian Group, a significant MAX customer, has disclosed in its quarterly report that deliveries of its fifty B737-8s with 30 options have been delayed by 8-11 months compared to the original plan. The carrier mentioned that it has been partially compensated for the delay cost but acknowledged that the delays are impacting its operations.
Norwegian has adjusted its capacity growth target for 2024 to mitigate the impact of delays and has sought additional third-party capacity. The airline currently operates a fleet of eighty-six B737s, which is down by one from the forecasted 87 aircraft.
Despite the setbacks, Norwegian expects growth to slow in 2025 due to the Boeing delivery delays. The airline is evaluating options to extend leases of current B737-800s for 2025 and 2026, with B737 MAX deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2028, and options for B737-10 conversions slated for deliveries between 2028 and 2030.
