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After disappointing MAX 9 sales, Boeing is betting on its newest proposal, the larger-capacity MAX 10, to dent the runaway lead of Airbus’s A321neo at the busiest end of the market.
Analysts say a full rollout of the MAX line-up is crucial to help Boeing stabilize its roughly 40 per cent share against Airbus and generate enough cash to comfortably ride out the coming decade.
In the best-case scenario, MAX 10 deliveries are five years behind their original delivery date, Kirby estimated.
He later said United would not cancel the jets, just remove them from internal plans. Industry experts say airlines rarely cancel orders for fear of losing deposits, but often juggle models or else use public pressure to help win concessions.
In a statement after Kirby’s comments, Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stan Deal said: “We have let down our airline customers and are deeply sorry for the significant disruption to them, their employees and their passengers.”
Analysts say United has already effectively suspended a longstanding order for Airbus A350s by repeatedly deferring it. United reiterated it was looking at the 2030s timeframe.
While Kirby’s remarks left unresolved questions hanging over the MAX 10 orders, industry sources said the airline also faces a dilemma as it races alongside rivals to meet rising demand.
Airbus is sold out for similar planes until around 2030.
“It is not helpful for the MAX 10 when United, holding orders for 26% of the entire known MAX 10 backlog, says this,” said Rob Morris, head of global consultancy at Ascend by Cirium.
“But what will United do instead?”
Airbus declined to comment.
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