In a surprising move, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has expressed his dissatisfaction with Boeing and hinted at a potential change in the airline's fleet plans. During the fourth quarter earnings call, Kirby revealed that United Airlines was contemplating operating without the Boeing 737 MAX 10 planes, as the airframe manufacturer's ability to deliver quality products within committed deadlines has come into question.

The doubts surrounding Boeing's delivery capabilities have been fueled by various incidents, including the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX 9 following an incident with an Alaska Airlines aircraft experiencing rapid depressurization due to a lost door plug. These incidents have raised concerns about the airframe manufacturer's commitment to safety and prompt delivery.

United Airlines had previously placed an order for 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in the summer of 2021, with 150 of those earmarked for the larger 737 MAX 10 model, which has yet to take flight. As the launch customer for the MAX 10, United Airlines also placed additional orders at the end of 2022, further solidifying their commitment to Boeing.

However, with United Airlines reconsidering its fleet plans, Airbus is now scrambling to seize the opportunity and secure the airline's order. The European aircraft manufacturer is keen to challenge Boeing's dominance in the narrowbody aircraft market and is strategizing on how to entice United Airlines to switch to their aircraft.

This development follows earlier reports that American Airlines, another major carrier, was exploring the possibility of a narrowbody aircraft order, potentially for deliveries after 2027. At the time, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom seemed unperturbed by the backlog of orders faced by both Boeing and Airbus. Isom was confident that as one of the world's largest airlines, Boeing or Airbus would make accommodations to prioritize their order.

If Boeing wishes to retain United Airlines as its MAX 10 launch customer, it will have to address the ongoing delivery delays and rebuild confidence in its products. The pressure is on for Boeing to offer even more substantial discounts than those provided during the pandemic, when travel demand had yet to recover fully.

The outcome of United Airlines' deliberations will undoubtedly impact the aviation industry, with both Boeing and Airbus closely monitoring the situation. As airlines prioritize reliable delivery schedules and seek assurances of quality products, manufacturers must adapt to meet the evolving demands of their customers.