Boeing’s 737 MAX and 787 Delays Force Alaska Airlines to Rethink Fleet Strategy, and More

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Production Snarls Push Alaska’s Boeing 787 and MAX Deliveries Till 2029

Boeing has notified Alaska Airlines of significant delays in 737 MAX and 787-9 Dreamliner deliveries, as reported by Flight Global based on Alaska Air Group’s recent SEC filing. It disrupts the carrier's fleet modernization and growth plans.

All this stems from Boeing's ongoing production challenges and uncertified MAX 10 models.

The setbacks complicate Alaska's integration of Hawaiian Airlines, which faces its own 787 delivery bottlenecks, and complicate Alaska's operational flexibility during peak travel periods.

Key Points

• 787-9 Delays: Hawaiian Airlines' 787-9s (10 undelivered) now face extended timelines, with original 2024–2027 deliveries pushed till 2029, hampering long-haul route expansions.

• 737 MAX Delays:

• 737-9 MAXs slated for 2024 now delayed to 2025.

  • Six 737-8 MAXs shifted from 2025 to 2026.

  • MAX 10 certification holdups defer 20 deliveries (3 in 2026, 17 in 2027+), limiting Alaska's high-capacity fleet options.

• Root Causes: Boeing's 2024 machinist strike, FAA-mandated 737 MAX production caps (38/month), and post-Alaska Flight 1282 quality audits exacerbated delays.

• Financial Risks: Alaska had earlier warned that delayed fleet growth could impair revenue targets.

• Fleet Adjustments: Alaska was gradually phasing out 737-900s in anticipation of newer MAX variants arriving. But this further delay complicates plans and leads to a need to fill this gap capacity shortfalls.

What It Means

Boeing’s delays forces Alaska into reactive mode: slower fleet growth risks ceding market share to Airbus-reliant rivals, while Hawaiian’s 787 delays undermine its long-haul competitiveness.

Alaska’s MAX 10 dependency leaves it vulnerable to further certification slippage. Boeing's CEO projects certification in the first half of 2025, but this is subject to FAA approval.

Other Key Aviation Industry Updates for Today 👇

2. Elliott Management Increases Stake in Southwest Following Mass Layoff

Southwest Airlines has amended its agreement with Elliott Management, allowing the activist investor to increase its stake from 14.9% up to 19.9%.

This follows Southwest's first-ever mass layoffs, affecting 1,750 corporate positions (15% of corporate workforce), aiming to save $210 million in 2025 and $300 million in 2026.

Additionally, Chief Transformation Officer Ryan Green will step down on April 1, following recent board restructuring and executive departures.

If you missed earlier news related to Southwest, read it here:- Southwest Airlines Cuts 15% of Corporate Staff, Affecting 1,750 Jobs- Southwest Airlines Merger Speculation Grows

3. Sun Country Airlines Shifts Focus to Cargo Growth as Passenger Numbers Cool

Sun Country Airlines is expanding its Amazon cargo operations by adding eight Boeing 737-800 freighters by late summer 2025, bringing the total fleet to 20 aircraft.

While passenger revenue reached $914 million in 2024, there was a 9.9% decline in scheduled service, and cargo revenue hit $107.2 million and is expected to double within 12 months.

The airline's unique three-pronged business model, combining passenger service, cargo, and charter operations, continues to make it one of the nation's most profitable carriers.

4. Archer Secures Critical FAA Approval for eVTOL Pilot Pipeline

Archer Aviation received FAA Part 141 certification on February 18, 2025, enabling the launch of its pilot training academy for Midnight eVTOL aircraft operations.

This marks the company's third FAA certification, following Part 135 and Part 145 approvals in 2024. The company has already initiated its application for Part 142, the final certification needed.

The four-passenger Midnight aircraft aims to transform urban travel with 20-50 mile routes at speeds up to 130 knots.

5. Eviation Pauses Electric Aircraft Development Despite Multi-Billion-Dollar Order Book

Eviation has laid off most of its workforce and paused the development of its all-electric Alice aircraft while seeking additional funding.

The nine-seat commuter aircraft, which completed its only test flight in September 2022, has accumulated over 600 orders worth $5 billion from companies including DHL Express and Air New Zealand.

CEO Andre Stein confirmed the pause to explore strategic partnerships, though the Singapore-based Clermont Group, Eviation's majority owner, remains committed to electric aviation.

6. UAE Defense Aviation Gets Boost Through Safran ADA Partnership

Safran Aircraft Engines and Abu Dhabi Aviation signed a strategic MoU at IDEX 2025 to enhance military aviation MRO services.

The partnership combines ADA's subsidiaries (GAL and AMMROC) with Safran's engine expertise to provide depot-level maintenance for UAE's military fleet.

This builds on existing ties, as UAE operates Mirage 2000-9 fighters with M53 engines and became Rafale's sixth export customer in 2021.

The collaboration aims to strengthen UAE's position as a global aerospace hub.

7. Georgia Lawmakers Push Vertiport Network for Air Taxi Future

Georgia lawmakers are considering legislation to establish a network of vertiports across the state, classifying them as general aviation facilities eligible for federal funding.

The proposed 42,000-square-foot facilities would feature multiple landing pads for eVTOL aircraft.

The initiative aligns with existing partnerships between major airlines and manufacturers, including Archer Aviation's Covington facility.

The state envisions implementing this "lily pad network" within 3-5 years, supporting passenger transport, cargo logistics, and medical services.

8. Nigeria Unlocks Aircraft Financing with Blacklist Removal

Nigeria has been removed from the global aviation leasing market's blacklist, enabling direct aircraft leasing for Nigerian airlines.

The country's compliance with the Cape Town Convention improved its rating from 49% to 75.5%, making it Africa's top performer.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has guaranteed four-day deregistration for defaulted aircraft, while Afreximbank pledged support for 25 aircraft through dry lease financing.

The change opens doors for Nigerian airlines to access international aircraft financing and leasing markets.

9. ZeroAvia Enters Electric Motor Market with First Standalone Sale

ZeroAvia has sold its first 600kW electric propulsion system to Jetcruzer International, with delivery expected this spring.

The system features four 200kW bidirectional inverters and a 2,200rpm direct-drive motor. The EPS will power Jetcruzer's 500E six-seat aircraft, targeting service entry in 2028.

ZeroAvia produces these systems at its new 136,000-square-foot Everett facility, having secured over 2,000 pre-orders for its hydrogen-electric powertrains.

10. New P&W Engine Variants Clear EASA Hurdle for A321XLR

EASA has certified multiple Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine variants for the Airbus A321XLR, following FAA's December 2024 approval.

The certification includes PW1133G1, GR, GAR, and G1R models, featuring enhanced thrust configurations for hot-day takeoffs and reduced go-around capabilities.

This complements the existing CFM LEAP-1A certification, expanding options for the A321XLR, which has over 500 orders and promises 30% better fuel efficiency than previous generation aircraft.