Boeing halted deliveries of some 737 MAX aircraft on March 10, 2026, after identifying wiring damage on an undetermined number of undelivered jets. The issue involves small scratches on wires caused by a machining error during manufacturing at Boeing’s facilities.
737 program Vice President and General Manager Katie Ringgold stated at ISTAT Americas in San Diego that the company paused ticketing and deliveries, with the disruption expected to last days, not weeks. Boeing confirmed production continues at 42 jets per month at its Renton, Washington plant, a rate approved by the FAA in October 2025 after lifting a prior cap of 38 following the 2024 Alaska Airlines door-plug incident. The firm plans to reach 47 per month later in 2026, pending FAA approval, and targets 50-60 monthly by 2028 with a new Everett line opening this year.
Affected aircraft require inspection and rework to meet safety standards before handover. Boeing notified the FAA and customers, stating all in-service 737 MAX jets remain safe for operation. No details emerged on the exact number impacted or specific wire locations, but repairs per aircraft are estimated at several days. The problem occurred internally, not at suppliers.
Prior to the pause, Boeing delivered 51 commercial aircraft in February, including 43 737 MAX—the strongest February since 2018—and three in March before March 5. First-quarter deliveries face delays into the second quarter, potentially affecting the first half of 2026, though the full-year goal of at least 500 737s holds firm. This adds to ongoing quality challenges for the program, returned to service in late 2020.