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Boeing says MAX 10 variant could be scrapped

written by Hannah Dowling | July 8, 2022

Boeing 737 MAX 10 (Boeing)

Boeing could be forced to scrap its plans for the largest variant of its embattled 737 MAX jet, the MAX 10, over possible regulatory issues.

The 737 MAX 10 is Boeing’s answer to the Airbus A321neo and has seen over 600 orders in the last five years, with the largest customer being United Airlines.

However, Boeing chief executive Dave Calhoun said the aircraft could be axed entirely unless the US planemaker can secure its certification by December this year.

The aircraft remains on the chopping block due to a new law — introduced in 2020 and enforced as of December 2022 — that introduces new requirements on aircraft flight decks.

At present, Boeing is attempting to secure an extension to the December deadline, in case it fails to secure certification before then.

Should lawmakers refuse to grant the extension, and the planemaker fail to achieve certification before the deadline, the MAX 10 would require a total redesign of its flight deck to include a new regulated alerting system.

Boeing said such a task would not only cost additional time and resources, but also see the plane lose its coveted commonality with its other MAX variants.

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“The [MAX 10] is a little bit of an all-or-nothing,” Calhoun told Aviation Week, “I think our case is persuasive enough … This is a risk I’m willing to take. If I lose the fight, I lose the fight.”

“We believe in this airplane, period,” he added. “We believe the intent of the counterparties that negotiated the [new requirement] time frame wanted this airplane covered. And I find very few voices that would suggest otherwise.”

Calhoun said that while cancelling the MAX 10 program isn’t a likely outcome it is still “a risk” given the circumstances.

Regardless, the embattled planemaker remains confident that in any case, it will be able to handle the outcomes.

“If you go through the things we’ve been through, the debts that we’ve had to accumulate, our ability to respond, or willingness to see things through, even a world without the -10 is not that threatening,” Calhoun said.

7 Comments

  • Andrew

    says:

    So……whats the new requirement…..

  • Rod Pickin

    says:

    It goes without saying, the B737 and it’s variants have been a great success for all concerned for many years but, if you consider buying the Max 10 this year, you will be encumbered with it for at least another 20 years so whilst technologically the unit may well be state of the art, it is back in the dark ages for those who have to work it, outside, it is not user friendly in the holds, labour intensive and very prone to worker injury and even with some mods the aircraft will only ever be a bulk load task, not ULD compatible. One has to ask, just how long can one stretch the rubber band before it snaps; Mr. Boeing, it is time now to close the hangar on this project and look at other products, still in production which with available new engine options and other updates would be a far superior operational airline fit with a very attractive operational financial outcome and not needing any new ground handling equipment. To continue with the Max 10 project truly, is not in anyone’s best interests.

  • Peter Hannah

    says:

    If you go through the stupidity of the decisions you made – putting dollars before lives – I think you need to take a good hard look at yourselves as aircraft manufacturers – as the facts speak for themselves!

    NOTHING – has changed at Boeing – new management, new designs. and new laws and regulations – NOTHING has changed at Boeing to put in place any kind of mentality to fly safely, to allow pilots to do their job without hidden agendas by manufacturers – and the CEO says “Nothing to see here!”

    “If you go through the things we’ve been through, the debts that we’ve had to accumulate, our ability to respond, or willingness to see things through, even a world without the -10 is not that threatening,” Calhoun said.

  • Marum Katze

    says:

    Boeng has maxxed out…..Marum

  • John Alldis

    says:

    If it kills people then something major is WRONG WITH THE DESIGN. START THE PROCESS OF MAKING SURE THAT YOU MAKE A SAFE AIRCRAFT! SIMPLES FACT 100 PERCENT

  • Lhano Martins Xavier Junior

    says:

    The Boeing 737 is a good project, but Airbus A320 family is better.
    The 737-10 only in the American or European market in routes with big density, his range is too short if compared an A321LR (3300 x 4000).
    The Boeing need a new plane!!!

  • Ronnie

    says:

    Dave. If you cannot make it to the latest standards then please scrap it. That is ridiculous. Why introduce a new airplane which will be around for 20 plus years without the proper regulated systems. Just scrap it then

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