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Boeing’s (NYSE:BA) 737 MAX 7 jetliner likely will not be certified until H1 2026, Southwest Airlines (LUV) CEO Bob Jordan told Bloomberg in an interview late Thursday.
“We’re not counting on it in 2026,” Jordan said of Southwest’s (LUV) timeline to operate the plane – around seven years later than originally expected for the model, and missing Boeing’s (NYSE:BA) target of wrapping up work this year.
Southwest (LUV), the MAX 7 model’s largest customer, still needs the MAX 7 and is not reconsidering its order, Jordan said, adding that Boeing (BA) is working on a few items, including a redesign of the jet’s engine anti-ice system to address a safety issue.
Boeing (BA) CEO Kelly Ortberg said in May that both the 737-7 and 737-10 were expected to complete certification this year, and that he did not anticipate production would be disrupted if there were new delays.
Separately, Federal Aviation Administration head Bryan Bedford said said Thursday that Boeing (BA) has not yet asked the agency to remove a 38-plane per month cap on 737 MAX production and will review the company’s supply chain before making any decision.
“We’re going to want to look at the entire supply chain,” Bryan Bedford said while also praising Boeing’s (BA) efforts to improve its culture and adding he would not be surprised if the company asks to raise the production rate.
The FAA imposed the production cap following the January 2024 mid-air emergency involving a new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 that was missing four key bolts.