Boeing has confirmed that issues with the de-icing system design on its 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants, specifically involving a sensitive area near the engine inlet, are responsible for delays in bringing the aircraft into service.
During an earnings call for the company’s second quarter, Boeing described the area as "very delicate" and said the current implementation of the de-icing system does not fully meet regulatory requirements. As a result, Boeing is making design changes to ensure compliance.
“Work on the solution is taking longer than expected, and we are now expecting certification for these models in 2026,” said Kelly Ortberg, Boeing president and CEO. “We’re going to have to back up and make some additional design changes to get through this de-icing requirement.”
The planemaker emphasised that work is ongoing, and resolving the issue is a priority as Boeing continues efforts to certify the MAX 7 and MAX 10 - both of which remain awaiting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval.
Elsewhere when looking at deliveries, the company said it delivered 37 787 Dreamliners in the first half of 2025 and expects production to stabilise at seven jets per month, placing output at the high end of its annual guidance range for the widebody aircraft.
The planemaker also reported 209 737 deliveries during the same period, including 37 aircraft from inventory, as it works through a backlog built up during previous supply chain and quality control issues.
Ortberg said the manufacturer it is in “pretty good shape” to meet its target of delivering 400 737s this year, pointing to improved production consistency and supply chain coordination.