Boeing 737 MAX issues have marked the troubled history of this narrow-body jet since its debut. Although the aircraft was approved by the FAA in March 2017, it soon became associated with two major tragedies that shook global aviation.
In October 2018, Lion Air Flight 610 crashed shortly after takeoff from Jakarta, killing all 189 people onboard. Less than five months later, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 met the same fate after taking off from Nairobi, Kenya, killing all passengers and crew.
Both incidents involved new Boeing 737 MAX jets. Investigations linked the crashes to Boeing’s Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), a flight stabilization program installed in the aircraft.
Following these tragedies, the Boeing 737 MAX issues led to a worldwide grounding of the aircraft while extensive inquiries took place. Findings revealed not only design flaws but also FAA certification failures and a subsequent coverup by Boeing.
As a result, Boeing agreed to pay more than $2.5 billion in settlements due to its mishandling of the MAX rollout. Only in late 2020 did the aircraft receive re-certification from the FAA after implementing required safety upgrades.
Even with updated designs, Boeing still has a long road ahead, with over $600 billion in outstanding orders for 4,038 MAX aircraft yet to be fulfilled.
Despite the past controversies, Delta Airlines is now considering adding the MAX to its fleet. Delta CEO Ed Bastian hinted at the possibility during an April webinar with Airline Weekly, stating, “No news to report [but] we’re constantly talking to [Boeing]. There’s certainly a place for [the MAX] if we can figure out how to bring them in.”
Delta has never operated any version of the 737 MAX and had no aircraft involved in the incidents. A new order would mark its first with Boeing in over a decade.
While no confirmation has been given, Reuters reported in 2020 that Delta and Boeing discussed a potential sale of 40 737 MAX jets. So far, both companies have declined to comment further.
In contrast, Delta has been more vocal about its ongoing relationship with Airbus, publicly affirming its plans to expand its fleet with the A220 and A350 models.
Photo Credit: Boeing