Boeing has paused deliveries of certain 737 Max aircraft to address small scratches on wiring caused by a machining error within its facilities. The company confirmed the issue affects undelivered planes, requiring rework that will take several days per aircraft.
Boeing’s March 10 statement noted: “Our 737 program is performing rework on a group of airplanes to fix wires that have small scratches due to a machining error. This ensures they meet our quality standards before the airplanes are delivered.” The firm notified the FAA and customers but declined to specify the number of affected aircraft, wire locations, or exact repair details.
All in-service 737 Max airplanes remain safe to operate, with any necessary fleet-wide actions to follow via service bulletins. Production continues at the FAA-approved rate of 42 aircraft per month across three lines, without adjustment. Boeing expects near-term delays impacting first-quarter deliveries, particularly March, but maintains its full-year target of at least 500 737 program deliveries.
February saw 43 737 Max deliveries, following 82 rollouts in the first two months of 2026. Aero Analysis Partners reported three deliveries in early March, none since March 5. CEO Kelly Ortberg plans rate increases in five-aircraft-per-month increments, with Rate 47 protected pending FAA approval. The issue spares military 737 variants and does not stem from suppliers.
737-7 and 737-10 certifications remain on track for 2026, supporting future rate ramps after quality milestones.