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Delta Airlines (NYSE:DAL) predicts that deliveries of Boeing (BA) 737 MAX 10 planes on order could be delayed until 2027, Bloomberg reported Sunday, as the planemaker faces rigorous reviews from federal aviation regulators after a series of accidents.
Delta (DAL) has orders for 100 MAX 10 planes worth about $13.5 billion at list prices, with options to buy 30 more, and expected to begin receiving the planes next year.
“We were already predicting that if it came in 2025, it would be towards the end of the year. My guess is that it will be another year or two beyond that,” MAX 10 CEO Ed Bastian said in the Bloomberg interview.
Delta (DAL) is “comfortable” with negotiated protections against possible delays in its contract to purchase the MAX 10, Bastian said, highlighting “several issues” with the 737 MAX “that need to be addressed,” and is in ongoing negotiations with Boeing (BA).
Meanwhile, Delta ( DAL ) has picked up Airbus ( OTCPK:EADSF ) ( OTCPK:EADSY ) A321neo single-aisle aircraft and “we’re very happy with that airplane,” Bastian said.
Demand for travel during the spring and summer school holidays remains strong in both U.S. and international markets, with Delta (DAL) enjoying some of the strongest sales days in its history over the past 10 weeks, Bastian also said.