SEATTLE, August 23, 2026, 9:18 a.m. PDT — Boeing’s ongoing delay with the MAX 10 has forced 27 United Airlines jets into a timeline past 2027, adding to concerns as strike threats intensify.
- United projects receiving 147 of its 167 Boeing 737-10 aircraft after 2027, compared to the 120 outlined in its contractual agreement.
- Boeing has concluded scheduled flight tests, though two certification processes are still unfinished.
- BA dropped 7.5% over the past week, wiping out roughly $13.8 billion in market capitalization.
- The rejection of a labor offer increases execution risk ahead of the contract expiry on October 6.
United Airlines Holdings NASDAQ:UAL has deferred delivery of 27 Boeing 737-10 aircraft to after 2027, contrary to the initial contract schedule. The company’s most recent filing projects receipt of 20 jets by 2027, compared with 47 outlined in the agreement.
The gap provides investors with a clearer indication of the delay. The Boeing Company NYSE:BA has finished scheduled flight testing. However, the majority of United’s largest MAX order remains scheduled for after the following 17 months.
| United 737-10 deliveries | Contractual | Currently expected | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second half 2026 | 3 | 0 | -3 |
| 2027 | 44 | 20 | -24 |
| After 2027 | 120 | 147 | +27 |
| Total | 167 | 167 | 0 |
The share price has already adjusted for certain execution risks. Boeing ended Friday trading at $214.20, representing a 7.54% drop since August 14. With a market capitalization of $169.30 billion as of Friday, the decrease wiped out approximately $13.8 billion in value.
| Date | BA close | Daily move |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 14 | $231.67 | -0.79% |
| Aug. 17 | $225.95 | -2.47% |
| Aug. 18 | $223.06 | -1.28% |
| Aug. 19 | $222.20 | -0.39% |
| Aug. 20 | $215.10 | -3.20% |
| Aug. 21 | $214.20 | -0.42% |
A new labor conflict is coinciding with the certification wrap-up. Nearly 17,000 Boeing engineers and technical staff turned down four-year contract proposals on Friday. The current contracts are set to end on October 6, with the possibility of a strike starting October 7.
Boeing stated it was getting ready for the potential outcome. “We have no choice but to implement our contingency plan,” Vice President Ben Nimmergut said. There were no additional negotiations planned following the vote. Reuters
Timing is crucial. Boeing’s 737-10 logged 976 certification flights, covering over 2,060 flight hours. Flight testing has wrapped up, while the fourth development assurance review reached 60% completion. System safety assessments were at 32%.
| 737-10 certification work | Reported progress | What remains |
|---|---|---|
| Flight testing | 100% | Test flights concluded |
| Development assurance review 4 | 60% | Still to go: 40% |
| System safety assessments | 32% | 68% pending |
| FAA certification target | 2026 | Awaiting final regulatory review |
| Customer deliveries | 2027 target | Service entry |
United’s updated schedule indicates advancement. The airline is now projecting to receive 20 MAX 10 aircraft in 2027. Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella previously said initial deliveries could be delayed to 2027 or 2028.
Boeing’s wider rebound offers support. Revenue for the second quarter climbed 8% to $24.56 billion. Commercial deliveries grew 14% to 171 units, and free cash flow hit $631 million. Backlog was reported at $715 billion.
| Q2 measure | 2026 | Year-on-year | Investor read-through |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $24.56bn | +8% | Delivery rebounds |
| Commercial deliveries | 171 | +14% | Greater volume |
| Free cash flow | $631m | +$831m | Turned positive |
| Commercial Airplanes loss | $322m | Improved | Losses continue |
| Total backlog | $715bn | Record | Demand remains strong |
Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg stated operations were “more stable and key certification programs remain on plan.” United’s delivery timeline highlights the importance of finishing the outstanding reviews to support that assertion.
Wall Street sentiment stays positive despite the decline last week. The most recent survey shows 21 analysts with Buy ratings, six with Hold, and one with Sell. Another consensus price target stands at $274.85, suggesting a 28.3% potential gain from Friday’s closing price. These figures are considered preliminary.
| Analyst view | Count | Share of 28 |
|---|---|---|
| Buy | 21 | 75.0% |
| Hold | 6 | 21.4% |
| Sell | 1 | 3.6% |
| Consensus target | $274.85 | Suggests a 28.3% potential gain |
U.S. markets will not open on Sunday. This coming week will gauge if labor negotiations pick back up and if the FAA wrap-up remains on track. BA’s initial price reference is Friday’s closing value of $214.20.
Risks: United’s planned schedule remains subject to change, and Boeing might secure jet certification without additional delays. Finalizing a labor agreement could eliminate the latest obstacle. Conversely, a strike or prolonged FAA review could result in further deliveries being shifted past 2027 and postpone cash inflows.
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