Key Takeaways
- United Airlines planned to install lie-flat seats on Boeing 737 Max 10.
- Certification delays have left hundreds of seats in storage.
- CEO Scott Kirby discusses future options for the aircraft interiors.
- United has pivoted to other aircraft due to ongoing delays.
United’s Ambitious Plans
United Airlines had high hopes for its Boeing 737 Max 10, aiming to feature lie-flat premium seats and launch profitable transcontinental routes. These plans were first announced in 2018 by then-president Scott Kirby, who is now the CEO. The aircraft was initially expected to enter service in 2020.
Certification Delays
However, certification for the Max 10 has faced significant delays, with the timeline stretching far beyond the original expectations. Hundreds of lie-flat seats are currently in storage, awaiting the necessary federal approval for the aircraft, which is the largest in the 737 Max family. Kirby recently expressed the airline’s uncertainty about the future of these seats, stating, “We got a bunch of lie-flat seats that we don’t know what to do with. They don’t fit on other airplanes.”
Current Developments
United has not yet revealed the specific layout for the Max 10 or its intended routes. The airline’s initial plans were made before it introduced a premium economy section, complicating the decision-making process. The delays for the Max 10 and the newly approved Max 7 stem from a redesign of the anti-icing system and increased scrutiny following past safety issues.
Shifting Strategies
In response to the ongoing delays, United has outfitted a subfleet of Airbus A321neo aircraft with new Polaris suites and premium economy options, branding this subfleet as the “Coastliner” for transcontinental flights. However, the differing dimensions and requirements of the aircraft present challenges for United as it considers the interiors of the Max 10.
Looking Ahead
United expects to receive its first Boeing Max 10 aircraft in the summer of 2027, with a total of 167 units on order. As the airline navigates these challenges, the future of its premium seating strategy remains uncertain.
