Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Boeing 737 MAX Delivery Delays in Q1 Due to Wiring Flaws
Boeing delays Q1 737 MAX deliveries due to wiring scratches from machining error but maintains 2026 delivery target of 500 jets.
This article summarizes reporting by The Wall Street Journal and journalist Drew FitzGerald, as well as confirmation by Reuters. The original WSJ report is paywalled; this article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.
Boeing is navigating a fresh production hurdle this week after disclosing that first-quarter deliveries of its 737 MAX aircraft will be delayed. The slowdown is attributed to newly discovered wiring flaws on undelivered jets. The issue, which was first brought to light in a report by The Wall Street Journal and subsequently confirmed by Reuters, involves minor damage to electrical components caused during the manufacturing process.
Despite the immediate impact on March and first-quarter delivery schedules, Boeing has assured customers and regulators that the defect does not compromise the safety of 737 MAX airplanes currently in active service. The aerospace manufacturer also maintains that its long-term delivery targets for the year remain fully intact, providing a measure of stability for airline fleets awaiting new aircraft.
This development arrives at a critical juncture for Boeing. Under the leadership of CEO Kelly Ortberg, the company has been working aggressively to rehabilitate its production quality and global reputation following a series of high-profile manufacturing deviations. We look at the specifics of the wiring issue, the projected impact on Boeing’s assembly lines, and how the market is responding to the latest supply chain friction.
According to reporting by Reuters, Boeing identified what it described as “small scratches” on the wiring of a specific batch of undelivered 737 MAX airframes. The company traced the root cause of these scratches to a “machining error.” At this time, Boeing has not publicly clarified whether this specific machining error occurred within its own internal manufacturing facilities or originated from a third-party supplier.
To rectify the issue, Boeing is currently executing rework procedures on the affected planes before they can be handed over to customers. The timeline for these repairs appears to be relatively brief.
A company spokesperson stated that the necessary repairs can be completed in a “matter of days” for each plane, according to Reuters.
While the rework will undeniably slow down the pace of deliveries for March and the broader first quarter of 2026, Boeing’s annual projections remain unchanged. As reported by Reuters, the company still expects to meet its full-year goal of delivering approximately 500 of the narrow-body 737 MAX jets to its global customer base.
Furthermore, the assembly of new aircraft has not been halted. Production of the 737 MAX continues uninterrupted at a rate of 42 jets per month. Boeing has outlined ambitious expansion plans for later this year, intending to increase that rate to 47 jets per month. To facilitate this growth, the company is scheduled to open a fourth 737 assembly line at its Everett, Washington facility this summer. Long-term corporate data indicates a target production rate of 63 jets per month within the next few years. The news of the wiring delay contrasts sharply with highly positive delivery metrics Boeing reported just weeks prior. According to official Boeing corporate data cited by Reuters, the manufacturer delivered 51 commercial jets in February 2026. This achievement marks the highest delivery total for the month of February since 2018, representing a significant increase from the 46 jets delivered in January 2026.
Of the 51 aircraft delivered in February, 43 were 737 MAX models. These strong delivery figures underscore the robust demand for the narrow-body jet, with Boeing reporting a massive backlog of 6,741 unfilled orders as of February 28, 2026.
Boeing has proactively notified both its airline customers and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the scratched wiring. As of Tuesday, the FAA had not issued any immediate public directives or comments regarding this specific machining error. However, the broader regulatory environment remains stringent. Boeing has operated under intense FAA oversight and strict production caps since a midair door plug blowout on a 737 MAX 9 in January 2024, an event that triggered sweeping audits of the company’s quality control protocols.
Financial markets reacted swiftly to the initial news. Following The Wall Street Journal’s report on the morning of March 10, Boeing shares (NYSE: BA) dropped by more more than 3%. The stock managed to recover approximately half of that decline later in the trading session, as investors processed the short-term nature of the repairs and the reaffirmation of the 500-jet annual delivery target.
We observe that while any production delay is a frustration for Boeing and its customers, the transparency and speed of the response here are notable. The distinction between a systemic, fleet-wide design flaw and a localized machining error on undelivered airframes is vital context. Because the fix requires only a few days per aircraft and does not impact planes currently in the sky, this event registers as a minor operational hurdle rather than a fundamental grounding crisis. Nevertheless, in the post-2024 regulatory climate, every manufacturing deviation at Boeing is heavily scrutinized, meaning CEO Kelly Ortberg’s margin for error remains incredibly thin as he works to scale up production at the Everett plant.
Yes. Boeing has explicitly stated that all 737 MAX airplanes currently in active service are unaffected by this specific machining error and can continue to operate safely.
No. Despite the slowdown in first-quarter deliveries, Boeing still expects to meet its full-year goal of delivering approximately 500 of the 737 MAX jets in 2026, according to company statements provided to Reuters.
The issue was caused by a “machining error” that resulted in small scratches on the wiring of certain undelivered aircraft. Boeing is currently reworking these specific planes to resolve the defect. Sources: Reuters, The Wall Street Journal
Boeing 737 MAX Deliveries Face Q1 Delays Due to Wiring Flaws
Understanding the Wiring Defect
Root Cause and Repair Timeline
Impact on 2026 Delivery Goals
Recent Milestones and Regulatory Context
February Delivery Highs
Regulatory Oversight and Market Reaction
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Are current 737 MAX flights safe?
Will this affect Boeing’s annual delivery target?
What caused the wiring issue?
Photo Credit: Boeing
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Biman Bangladesh Airlines Orders 10 Airbus A350 A321neo Jets
Biman Bangladesh Airlines finalizes a firm order for 4 A350-900s and 6 A321neos, completing a 35-aircraft 2026 procurement cycle.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has finalized a firm order for 10 Airbus aircraft, marking a definitive shift toward a mixed-fleet strategy following a year of unprecedented procurement activity.
In a press release issued on October 7, 2026, Airbus confirmed the agreement covers four Airbus A350-900 widebody jets and six Airbus A321neo single-aisle aircraft. The deal diversifies the national carrier’s historically Boeing-dominated fleet and brings its 2026 acquisition pipeline to 35 new aircraft across both major manufacturers.
The introduction of Airbus equipment represents a structural change for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which currently operates a fleet of 19 aircraft consisting primarily of Boeing jets and De Havilland Dash-8 turboprops. The signing ceremony took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, while Airbus formally announced the order from its headquarters in Toulouse, France.
Biman intends to deploy the new aircraft across distinct network segments. According to statements published by The Daily Star, Biman Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kaizer Sohel Ahmed indicated the Airbus A350-900s will serve long-haul routes to provide lower fuel burn and emissions. The Airbus A321neos will be utilized to strengthen the carrier’s regional network and open new markets.
Ahmed emphasized that the procurement decision followed rigorous evaluation of the airline’s network and financial strategy, guided by independent expert advice.
Airbus Commercial Aircraft Executive Vice President of Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry described the agreement as a significant milestone in the manufacturer’s partnership with the airline.
“Together, the A350 and A321neo form the perfect fleet strategy for Biman as it spreads its wings to new international destinations, catering to the growing demand across its network,” Saint-Exupéry said. The Airbus agreement caps a massive procurement cycle for Biman Bangladesh Airlines throughout 2026. Prior to the October 7 announcement, the carrier committed to 25 Boeing aircraft across two separate orders.
On April 30, 2026, Biman ordered 14 Boeing aircraft, comprising Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 737 MAX models. This was followed on September 23, 2026, by an order for 11 additional aircraft, specifically five Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners and six Boeing 737-8s, according to reporting by Aviation Week.
The combined orders will drive a rapid expansion of the national carrier. Reporting by The Business Standard indicates the procurement pace will see Biman’s fleet grow from 19 to 54 aircraft by 2035. This figure exceeds the government’s previously stated target of 47 aircraft. The fleet expansion is anchored by strong demographic and economic drivers in Bangladesh. Airbus noted the country has a population of 200 million and a global diaspora of 15 million people, particularly concentrated in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This diaspora maintains high baseline demand for international air travel.
“Bangladesh is a dynamic nation of 200 million people, backed by a resilient economy and a rapidly growing travel market,” said Rumee A. Hossain, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Biman Bangladesh Airlines. “In this context, our planned fleet expansion represents a measured and reasonable ambition.” Currently, more than 700,000 passengers travel annually between Dhaka and 10 major global cities. The Daily Star reports this specific market is expected to grow by an additional 500,000 passengers by 2030. Reuters notes that Biman currently serves approximately 20 percent of the country’s air passengers.
The exact delivery schedule for the Airbus aircraft remains unconfirmed by the manufacturer. However, Bangladesh Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat has publicly requested that Airbus deliver at least one aircraft by the 2026 to 2027 timeframe to expedite the modernization effort. Local media reports suggest the bulk of Biman’s 35 newly ordered aircraft, encompassing both Boeing and Airbus deliveries, will join the fleet between 2031 and 2035.
The decision by Biman Bangladesh Airlines to split its massive 2026 order book between Boeing and Airbus marks a definitive end to Boeing’s historical monopoly over the carrier’s jet fleet. While operating a mixed fleet introduces additional complexity in maintenance, crew training, and spare parts inventory, it also provides the airline with leverage in future negotiations and insulates its expansion plans from production delays at any single manufacturer.
The sheer scale of the expansion presents a significant execution challenge. Tripling the fleet size from 19 to 54 aircraft within a decade will require substantial parallel investments in pilot recruitment, maintenance infrastructure, and ground operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC). The success of this multi-billion-dollar procurement cycle will depend heavily on the airline’s ability to scale its operational capacity to match its new metal.
Strategic fleet diversification
A year of rapid procurement
Market drivers and delivery timeline
AirPro News analysis
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Croatia Airlines Takes Delivery of Two Airbus A220-300s
Croatia Airlines receives its 12th and 13th A220-300s, advancing its 15-aircraft fleet renewal and nearing A319 retirement.
Croatia Airlines has taken delivery of two new Airbus A220-300 aircraft, bringing its next-generation fleet to 13 and signaling the imminent retirement of its legacy Airbus A319s.
The state-owned flag carrier announced the double delivery in an October 5, 2026, press release, marking a critical milestone in its 15-aircraft fleet renewal program. The aircraft arrived at Zagreb Airport (ZAG) from the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Canada, over consecutive days.
The two new Airbus A220-300s departed the Airbus manufacturing facility in Mirabel (YMX) on October 1 and October 2, 2026. According to flight routing details from AvioRadar, both aircraft transited through Copenhagen Airport (CPH) before touching down in Zagreb on October 2 and October 3, respectively.
Continuing the airline’s tradition of naming its aircraft after Croatian cities, the 12th fleet addition (registration 9A-CAW) is named “Karlovac,” while the 13th (registration 9A-CAX) is named “Sisak.” The newly delivered A220-300s are configured with a passenger seat capacity of 149. The carrier’s active A220 fleet now consists of 11 A220-300s and two smaller A220-100s, which seat 127 passengers, according to EX-YU Aviation News.
The arrival of the new airframes coincides with the final stages of Croatia Airlines’ transition to a single-type fleet. The airline is currently retiring its older Airbus A319s to make way for the A220s. EX-YU Aviation News reported that the final commercial flights for the A319 are tentatively scheduled for October 11, 2026, with one final rotation from Zagreb to Split, Rome, Split, and back to Zagreb planned for October 23, 2026.
This transition follows the retirement of the carrier’s last Airbus A320 earlier in the year. The final A320, registered as 9A-CTO, was withdrawn from service on January 26, 2026, concluding nearly three decades of operations for the type at the airline.
The fleet modernization program also extends to the carrier’s regional operations. The airline expects to withdraw its remaining De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprops by March 2027.
Croatia Airlines is undertaking the largest fleet renewal project in its history, utilizing the Airbus A220 to modernize its operations. Designed specifically for the 100-150 seat market, the A220 provides the carrier with significant improvements in fuel efficiency and noise reduction compared to its previous-generation aircraft.
The airline expects to take delivery of its 14th Airbus A220 by the end of 2026. The 15th and final aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2027, which will complete the fleet renewal program. According to EX-YU Aviation News, the final two aircraft are expected to be named “Varaždin” and “Vinkovci.”
Double delivery accelerates fleet modernization
Phasing out legacy Airbus and turboprop operations
Completing the 15-aircraft order
Photo Credit: Croatia Airlines
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
ACG Delivers Sixth Boeing 737-8 to Royal Air Maroc
Aviation Capital Group completes a six-aircraft Boeing 737-8 lease with Royal Air Maroc, supporting the airline’s Vision 2037 fleet expansion.
Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG) has completed a six-aircraft lease transaction with Compagnie Nationale Royal Air Maroc, delivering the final Boeing 737-8 to the Moroccan flag carrier on October 5, 2026.
The handover concludes an orderbook commitment initiated in March 2026, with all six CFM LEAP-1B-powered narrowbodies delivered within a six-month window. Announced in a press release by the Newport Beach, California-based lessor, the transaction provides immediate capacity for Royal Air Maroc as the airline executes a government-backed fleet expansion strategy ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The delivery sequence began on March 31, 2026, when ACG announced the handover of the first Boeing 737-8 to Royal Air Maroc. Meeting the delivery schedule required coordination between the lessor, the airline, and The Boeing Company to ensure all six airframes entered service efficiently.
Carter A. White, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of ACG, highlighted the operational coordination required to meet the timeline.
“With this latest delivery, ACG marks the addition of the sixth 737-8 to Royal Air Maroc’s fleet in six months, a fantastic achievement by everyone involved,” White said in a statement. “We are proud to support the airline’s ongoing fleet renewal and expansion plans and wish the Royal Air Maroc team every success with these new aircraft.” The transaction adds to the portfolio of ACG, a global full-service aircraft asset manager founded in 1989 and operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation. As of June 30, 2026, the lessor managed, owned, or had commitments for approximately 500 aircraft. These assets are distributed across roughly 85 airlines in about 50 countries.
The six leased Boeing 737-8 aircraft serve as a capacity bridge for Royal Air Maroc as it pursues a long-term growth mandate under the leadership of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Abdelhamid Addou. Based at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, the national carrier is operating under a government-backed development program dubbed “Vision 2037,” which was signed in July 2023. The airline is tasked with quadrupling its fleet size to support Morocco’s tourism targets. The country aims to attract 26 million visitors by 2030, the year it will co-host the FIFA World Cup.
According to reporting by Le360, Royal Air Maroc operated approximately 50 aircraft in 2021. The airline reached a fleet size of 70 aircraft in late September 2026 following the delivery of another Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered as CN-RHS. The carrier targets a total fleet of 74 aircraft by the end of 2026 and 88 aircraft by 2027, with an ultimate goal of 200 aircraft by 2037.
To secure the necessary airframes for the 2037 target, Royal Air Maroc launched a tender in April 2024 to acquire up to 200 aircraft directly from major manufacturers. While the airline evaluates those long-term procurement options, leasing agreements provide the short- and medium-term lift required to maintain network growth.
The capacity additions are already supporting new route development. Aviation Week reported that Royal Air Maroc has actively expanded its network throughout 2026. This expansion included the launch of a direct route from Casablanca to Los Angeles in June 2026 utilizing Boeing 787 aircraft, alongside planned frequency increases to destinations across Europe and Africa.
Executing the six-aircraft commitment
Royal Air Maroc’s Vision 2037 expansion
Photo Credit: Aviation Capital Group
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