In a recent development, several airline CEOs have revealed that Boeing's ongoing delivery delays are forcing carriers to reconsider their growth plans for this year and possibly beyond. The aviation giant is currently grappling with a series of quality control problems, resulting in a destabilized supply chain. As a result, major carriers such as Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and United Airlines have all been impacted by the delayed arrival of aircraft.

Southwest Airlines, which exclusively flies Boeing 737s, has been particularly affected and has consequently adjusted its 2024 capacity forecast. The airline stated that it is reevaluating its 2024 financial guidance, citing a lower number of Boeing deliveries than it had initially anticipated for the year. Previously, Southwest Airlines expected to receive 79 Boeing 737 Max planes, but now that number has been reduced to 46.

Southwest Airlines CEO, Bob Jordan, voiced his concerns about Boeing's performance, emphasizing the need for the company to improve. "Boeing needs to become a better company, and the deliveries will follow that," he remarked during the JPMorgan industry conference.

Similarly, Alaska Airlines acknowledged that its 2024 capacity estimates are uncertain due to the timing of aircraft deliveries, which has been affected by increased scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Justice on Boeing and its operations.

United Airlines CEO, Scott Kirby, revealed that the company has requested Boeing to halt the production of its Max 10 planes, which are yet to be certified by the FAA. Instead, United Airlines is urging Boeing to focus on producing more Max 9s, as they are already in service. Kirby expressed uncertainty about when the Max 10 would be certified, leading United Airlines to exclude it from their fleet plan.

The frustration among airline executives has been building since Boeing encountered its latest crisis, which began when a door panel blew out midair from a Max 9 plane during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. The incident prompted an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, which revealed potential issues with the planes' door panel attachment. As a result, Boeing has been under heightened scrutiny, and its production plans have been hampered.

Boeing has vowed to address its quality control problems, with CEO Dave Calhoun and other leaders implementing work pauses to discuss the issues with employees. The FAA has also intervened by halting Boeing's planned output increases and identifying non-compliance issues in the company's manufacturing process control and product control. Boeing is now working closely with its employees to ensure compliance with regulations and maintain high-quality standards.

Boeing's challenges continue to create uncertainty in the market, causing major carriers to reassess their growth plans. The company's ability to stabilize its supply chain and address quality control issues will play a crucial role in restoring confidence among its top buyers and the aviation industry as a whole.