Qatar Airways, the flag carrier of Qatar, is reportedly set to abandon its plans to acquire the Boeing 737 MAX 10 (737-10) aircraft due to ongoing delays. Sources informed Bloomberg that the Doha-based airline, which had originally placed an order for 25 737 MAX 10 jets, is now in discussions with Boeing to convert the order into the smaller 737 MAX 8 (737-8) variant, which the airline already operates.
The move reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry, where delays in certifying the 737 MAX 10 have caused operational concerns for several carriers. Qatar Airways’ decision follows a similar action by Virgin Australia, another 737 MAX operator, which recently converted 12 of its MAX 10 aircraft orders to the MAX 8 due to similar certification delays.
The delays in the 737 MAX 10 certification have impacted several airlines globally, as the larger variant is yet to receive approval from regulatory bodies. While the 737 MAX 8 has already been certified and is in service with various airlines, the larger MAX 10’s prolonged certification process has led carriers to seek more immediate alternatives, such as converting to the smaller variant or exploring other aircraft options.
Qatar Airways’ decision to pivot to the 737 MAX 8 could also be influenced by the airline’s ongoing strategic partnerships, such as its recent collaboration with Virgin Australia. Both airlines operate the 737 MAX family, which could potentially offer operational synergies between them, particularly in managing aircraft fleets and optimizing routes across the region.
As the global aviation industry navigates through the uncertainty of aircraft certifications, the move by Qatar Airways is a reminder of the challenges faced by airlines when production and certification timelines are delayed. The airline’s continued focus on operational flexibility will be key as it works to maintain its network and fleet efficiency.
