Problematic 737 Max: The Misguided Legacy of a Former Aviation Pioneer
The Flying Beast Revisited: A Deskbound Analysis of the Boeing 737 MAX
The Boeing 737 MAX, a twin-engine, single-aisle jet airliner, was designed to compete with the Airbus A320neo family. Unveiled on August 30, 2011 by Boeing, this aircraft was an evolution of the Boeing 737 line, featuring LEAP-1B engines, improved aerodynamics, and distinctive winglets.
It took to the skies for the first time on January 29, 2016, earning its certification from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in March 2017. The first delivery was made to Batik Air Malaysia (then Malindo Air) in May 2017.
Despite its sleek design and advanced technology, the 737 MAX's Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) faced repeated failures, leading to two fatal crashes. Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 claimed the lives of a total of 346 people. Grounded worldwide from March 2019 to November 2020, the Boeing 737 MAX received scrutiny from regulators and accusations of cover-ups and lapses in the aircraft's initial certification.
The 737 MAX series comes in four variants, offering seating from 138 to 204 in typical two-class configuration, and a range of 3,300 to 3,850 nautical miles (6,110 to 7,130 km). The MAX 7, MAX 8, MAX 200, and MAX 9 were designed to replace the 737-700, -800, and -900 models, respectively, while the MAX 10 is an extended version.
As of July 2022, there were 4,174 unfilled orders and 863 deliveries of the 737 MAX. After the grounding, Boeing faced difficulties selling the already manufactured aircraft, but as of January 2022, the number had decreased to 335 due to lifting of the groundings.
The 737 MAX has since made significant strides and regained clearance from most authorities, with the U.S. FAA giving its approval in November 2020. However, the road to recovery hasn't been smooth. In January 2024, an incident involving Alaska Airlines led to increased FAA oversight and a temporary cap on production.
Boeing currently produces about 38 737 MAX aircraft per month, aiming for monthly rates of 42 and 47 by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approval. The company projects delivering approximately 570 aircraft in 2025, a significant increase from 2024's numbers.
Meanwhile, Boeing continues to work on supply chain bottlenecks, aiming to certify the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 by the end of 2025 and commence deliveries in 2026. The market is gradually warming up, with Qatar Airways placing a significant order in 2022.
The Boeing 737 MAX's journey is a tale of innovation, failure, and recovery, reminding us that even the mightiest of machines can stumble - but persistence and continuous refinement can lead them back to the skies.
The aviation industry, following the grounding and scrutiny of the Boeing 737 MAX, has faced challenges in securing finance for the aerospace company to sell the already manufactured aircraft. However, technology advancements and continuous refinement have played a significant role in the 737 MAX's road to recovery, with regulatory approvals and orders from major players like Qatar Airways.
