Allegiant Air, set to receive its first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in 2024, faces adjustments to its delivery schedule, resulting in fewer aircraft than initially planned for the year. This development adds Allegiant to the list of airlines grappling with delays in Boeing’s delivery timelines.
Greg Anderson, President of Allegiant, informed Reuters that the airline anticipates receiving only 12 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in 2024, half of the originally expected number.
Despite these adjustments, Anderson expressed confidence in managing the situation through ongoing dialogue with Boeing, provided the manufacturer maintains transparency regarding the delivery status.
Allegiant, known for primarily operating second-hand Airbus A320ceo family aircraft, placed an order for 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in January 2022. This move, characterized as opportunistic by Maurice Gallagher, Allegiant’s Chairman and CEO, aimed to enhance fleet flexibility, environmental sustainability, and passenger experience.
The ripple effects of Boeing’s delivery delays extend beyond Allegiant. Ryanair, for instance, announced on March 1, 2024, that it would receive 17 fewer Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft than planned for the upcoming peak summer season.
Consequently, Ryanair adjusted its flight schedules, affecting operations at several airports, including Dublin, Milan Malpensa, and Warsaw Modlin. Similarly, United Airlines faces challenges stemming from delays in Airbus and Boeing deliveries.
According to its recent filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), United Airlines’ expected deliveries of 182 aircraft have been substantially reduced.
Adjustments include fewer Boeing 787s, 737 MAX variants, and Airbus A321neo aircraft, necessitating strategic modifications to fleet planning and operational schedules.
As airlines navigate these challenges, collaboration with aircraft manufacturers and proactive management of fleet resources remain critical to mitigating disruptions and ensuring operational continuity.
