The Boeing 737 Max family is at a crucial turning point. While the base version of the 737 Max and the 737 Max 8 model are already on the market, the last two variants - the 737 Max 7 and the 737 Max 10 - are still awaiting certification.

The delays caused by technical problems, safety concerns and a number of other challenges have significantly affected the company's schedule. However, outgoing Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun is optimistic that approval of the two missing models by mid-2025 is realistic.

The road to certification of the 737 Max 7 and 737 Max 10 was bumpy from the start. The 737 Max 7's first flight took place on March 18, 2018, while the 737 Max 10 took to the air on June 18, 2021. Despite these early milestones, both models remain uncertified to date. The main cause of the delays are technical and regulatory hurdles that arose as a result of two fatal crashes, a worldwide grounding of the entire 737 Max fleet, the COVID-19 pandemic, and various quality issues.

The Max family was temporarily grounded worldwide following the two tragic crashes of the 737 Max 8, which claimed 346 lives. This grounding lasted almost two years and resulted in a comprehensive overhaul of the aircraft's design and safety protocols. Even after most 737 Max models have been reinstated, customer confidence in the entire model line remains critical.

Technical problems and solutions

The 737 Max 7 and 737 Max 10 differ in size and capacity, with the Max 10 being the largest variant in the series. One of the significant technical issues currently being addressed concerns engine de-icing. In dry conditions, engine de-icing is currently not allowed to run for more than five minutes to prevent overheating damage to the composite material and possible inlet lip detachment. These technical challenges are critical for Boeing as they directly affect the safety and performance of the aircraft.

Dave Calhoun, Boeing's outgoing CEO, stressed the urgency of solving the problem and expressed confidence that the company will find a technical solution before the end of the year. "This is literally the crux of the matter," Calhoun said, assuring that no further unforeseen problems are expected.

Market position and order situation

Despite the delays and challenges, demand for the 737 Max 7 and 737 Max 10 is high. Boeing currently has 737 orders for the 7 Max 343. The larger 737 Max 10 even has an order backlog of 1.072 aircraft. These figures illustrate the great interest in the extended variants of the Max series, which are direct competitors, especially compared to the Airbus A321neo.

The Airbus A321neo, which is also a popular choice for airlines worldwide, poses significant competition to the 737 Max 10. Competition between the two manufacturers is intense and influences the strategic decisions of both companies. However, the delays in the certification of the Max 7 and Max 10 have put Boeing in a difficult position as Airbus has continued to increase its market share.

Boeing is in a critical phase in which the company must both overcome technical challenges and regain customer trust. The successful certifications of the 737 Max 7 and 737 Max 10 are crucial to Boeing's future competitiveness and financial stability. If Boeing successfully resolves the issues at hand and receives the certifications, this could represent a significant turning point for the entire model range.

The aviation industry will be watching closely to see how Boeing overcomes the remaining challenges. The coming months will show whether the forecast certification in the first half of 2025 can be achieved and whether Boeing can secure its position as a leading aircraft manufacturer in the highly competitive market.